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

However, currency devaluation and lower inflation in Argentina took a bite out of sales. —Royston Wild, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025

Barkley called the devaluation of running backs a narrative that was designed to keep salaries down. —Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 21 Aug. 2025

The country’s ongoing economic challenges, including currency devaluation and inflation, only exacerbate this burden. —IEEE Spectrum, 20 Aug. 2025

Conveniently, this system would also make the United States the world’s economic center of gravity and prevent currency devaluations that could harm American exports. —Wally Adeyemo, Foreign Affairs, 19 Aug. 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