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

There’s a direct correlation between devaluation of a group’s words and devaluation of their lives. —Micah Danney, New York Daily News, 5 July 2025

Advertisement Advertisement The devaluation of the dollar, the world’s dominant reserve currency, on Thursday came after news outlets reported that President Donald Trump is considering announcing a new Federal Reserve Chair this fall, ahead of the end of current Chair Jerome Powell’s term. —Solcyré Burga, Time, 26 June 2025

The devaluation of the dollar would bring about unthinkable consequences. —Gary Franks, Hartford Courant, 24 May 2025

The impetus for change The two main factors in play are the upcoming changes to the CFP format and the seeming devaluation of conference championship games. —Seth Emerson, New York Times, 16 May 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