decentralization

1 of 2

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

decentralize

2 of 2

transitive verb

de·​cen·​tral·​ize (¦)dē-ˈsen-trə-ˌlīz 

: to deprive of centralization: such as

a

: to disperse or distribute the functions or powers of (as a government)

decentralize the administration of flood relief

b

: to cause to withdraw from the center or place of concentration

decentralize downtown business areas

—J. C. Ingraham

Examples of decentralization in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Shazhaev compares this to cryptocurrencies and their resilience through decentralization. — Dina Genkina, IEEE Spectrum, 1 Sep. 2026

This is viewed as part of his decentralization agenda, aiming to transfer powers in areas such as skills training and select tax authorities from London to local combined authorities. — CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026

The decentralization was aimed at a more agile organization capable of responding to market demands and visitor feedback more effectively, Six Flags said at the time. — Charlotte Observer, 25 Aug. 2026

This decentralization means Americans often have to wait longer for local election workers to tabulate votes, compile results and declare winners. — Stephanie Leiser, The Conversation, 12 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Transitive verb

probably from French décentraliser, from dé- de- (from Old French des-) + centraliser to centralize

First Known Use

Noun

1846, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for decentralization

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