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

From a surprise yuan devaluation in 2015 to crackdowns in recent years on after-school tutoring and cross-border stock trading, many of Beijing's policy moves appear abrupt to outsiders. — Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 3 Aug. 2026

Stop transmitting sleep devaluation, since the research indicates your team is reading your hours as instruction. — Mena Mirhom, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026

Such insights and supporting data can help pierce the gloom in some quarters that AI is destined to be an engine of large-scale job losses and devaluation of human skills. — The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 31 July 2026

In Turkey, a decade of monetary mismanagement climaxed in 2001 with a stock market crash and massive currency devaluation. — Literary Hub, 30 July 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