dilution

noun

di·​lu·​tion dī-ˈlü-shən 

də-

1

: the action of diluting : the state of being diluted

2

: something (such as a solution) that is diluted

3

: a lessening of real value (as of equity) by a decrease in relative worth: as

a

: a decrease of per share value of common stock by an increase in the total number of shares

b

: a decrease in the value of a trademark arising from use of the mark by another that creates confusion in the consumer

4

: a weakening (as by redistricting) of the voting rights of a group of citizens (such as a minority) that defeats an equal opportunity to elect a candidate of their choice

Examples of dilution in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Additionally, Nasdaq eliminated the rule requiring companies to have at least 10% of their total shares publicly traded, easing pressures on firms to issue additional shares and mitigating dilution risks for existing shareholders. — CNBC, 28 Oct. 2026

The causes of action listed in the petition include false designation, false association, false endorsement, trade dress infringement and federal trademark dilution by tarnishment. — Chuck Schilken, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2026

The urgency is heightened because of the fundamental right to vote and to have one's lawful vote counted without dilution. — Miles Parks, NPR, 19 Oct. 2026

The lawsuit also claimed trademark counterfeit and trademark dilution. — Ted Johnson, Deadline, 19 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Late Latin dīlūtiōn-, dīlūtiō, from Latin dīluere "to wash away, dissolve, make thinner by mixing with water" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at dilute entry 1

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for dilution

• ablution
• aleutian
• confucian
• elution
• locution
• pollution
• solution
• volution
• absolution
• allocution
• attribution
• comminution

Kids Definition

dilution

noun

di·​lu·​tion dī-ˈlü-shən 

də-

1

: the action of diluting : the state of being diluted

2

: something (as a solution) that is diluted

Medical Definition

dilution

noun

di·​lu·​tion dī-ˈlü-shən, də- 

1

: the action of diluting : the state of being diluted

2

: something (as a solution) that is diluted

Legal Definition

dilution

noun

di·​lu·​tion dī-ˈlü-shən, də- 

1

: a lessening of real value (as of equity) by a decrease in relative worth

specifically : a decrease of the value per share of common stock caused by an increase in the total number of shares

2

: a lessening of the value of a trademark that is caused by use of the mark by another and that creates potential confusion on the part of the consumer

3

: a weakening of the voting rights of a group of citizens (as a minority) because the representatives they elect have no greater legislative power than the representatives elected by smaller voting groups