dissipation

noun

dis·​si·​pa·​tion ˌdi-sə-ˈpā-shən 

1

: the action or process of dissipating : the state of being dissipated:

a

: dispersion, diffusion

the dissipation of the smoke

the dissipation of enemy forces

b

archaic : dissolution, disintegration

c

: wasteful expenditure

the dissipation of the family's fortune

d

: intemperate living

especially : excessive drinking

2

: an act of self-indulgence

lived a life of dissipation

especially : one that is not harmful : amusement

Synonyms of dissipation

• degradation
• corruption
• dissoluteness
• corruptness

Examples of dissipation in a Sentence

Insulation helps prevent the dissipation of heat from houses in the winter.

a movie about the dissipation of a famous heir's fortune

He lived a life of dissipation.

Recent Examples on the Web

Brembo says the discs have been designed for rapid heat dissipation, while the mineral oil's viscosity remains stable across a wide range of temperatures. — Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 1 May 2026

And why not take the path of reconciliation rather than the drama, the needless drama of further disunion, and dissipation and violence perhaps? — Drew Pittock, USA Today, 5 July 2026

Hu adds that θ-phase tantalum nitride could be especially valuable as artificial intelligence gains even more widespread use and heat dissipation becomes a data-center bottleneck. — Rachel Nuwer, Scientific American, 11 Apr. 2026

To measure overall turbulence, Turbli used a metric called the eddy dissipation rate, or EDR, to assign turbulence level scores. — Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 12 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

see dissipate

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for dissipation

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

Kids Definition

dissipation

noun

dis·​si·​pa·​tion ˌdis-ə-ˈpā-shən 

: the action or process of dissipating : the state of being dissipated