decentralization

noun

de·​cen·​tral·​i·​za·​tion (ˌ)dē-ˌsen-trə-lə-ˈzā-shən 

1

: the dispersion or distribution of functions and powers

a decentralization of powers

specifically, government : the delegation of power from a central authority to regional and local authorities

the decentralization of the state's public school system

government decentralization

2

sociology : the redistribution of population and industry from urban centers to outlying areas

decentralize

(ˌ)dē-ˈsen-trə-ˌlīz 

verb

Examples of decentralization in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Physics of Decentralization Historically, revolutions in computing have followed a pendulum swing between centralization and decentralization. —Craig S. Smith, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025

This decentralization, as Menard of Botify highlights, has made digital marketing increasingly fragmented. —Richard Kestenbaum, Forbes.com, 7 May 2025

Recent synods have broached sensitive questions—like welcoming LGBTQ Catholics or expanding women's roles in ministry—which alarms those who say too much decentralization risks confusion and division. —Christopher Hale, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 May 2025

Some projects may relocate to jurisdictions with more crypto-friendly policies, while others will evolve to comply without sacrificing decentralization. —Alexander Sudeykin, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1846, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for decentralization

• acclimatisation
• acclimatization
• acidification
• actualization
• annualization
• autocorrelation
• autoregulation
• beatification
• beneficiation
• biodegradation
• biotransformation
• bureaucratization