devaluation

noun

de·​val·​u·​a·​tion (ˌ)dē-ˌval-yə-ˈwā-shən 

-yü-ˈā-

1

: an official reduction in the exchange value of a currency by a lowering of its gold equivalency or its value relative to another currency

2

: a lessening especially of status or stature : decline

Examples of devaluation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Federici believes society cannot view the devaluation of gossip as separate from the devaluation of women's life, actions and knowledge. — Jaclyn Diaz, NPR, 16 July 2026

Spencer Platt | Getty Images The Lander campaign insists this loophole has resulted in a lack of affordable housing and a devaluation of construction work standards. — Paxton Honerkamp, CNBC, 23 June 2026

Digitization too often brings the devaluation of place and time. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 14 June 2026

Rather than building toward a meaningful reward, consumers shift to short-term behavior which includes redeeming for low value items, disengaging, or spreading loyalty across multiple programs to hedge against future devaluation. — Gary Drenik, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1914, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing devaluation

• pre-devaluation

Rhymes for devaluation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Legal Definition

devaluation

noun

de·​val·​u·​ation (ˌ)dē-ˌval-yə-ˈwā-shən 

1

: an official reduction in the exchange value of a currency by a lowering of its gold equivalency or its value relative to another currency

2

: a lessening of the value of something (as an asset)

portfolio devaluation