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

This, along with the departure of its CFO, may be contributing to the current market devaluation of the stock. —Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025

A number of consumer goods multinationals have quit Nigeria in recent years because skyrocketing inflation, triggered by the devaluation of the naira, has curtailed the spending of most shoppers. —Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 18 July 2025

While the grandiose gestures may seem romantic and well-intentioned, love bombing is almost always followed by devaluation and criticism. —Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 10 July 2025

The plan has faced criticism over cost priorities amid Egypt's economic struggles, which have prompted multiple devaluations of the pound—from around 7 EGP to the dollar in 2015 to nearly 50 today. —Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1914, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing devaluation

• pre-devaluation

Rhymes for devaluation

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration

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