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

Dollar devaluations led to the horrific inflation of the 1970s. —Steve Forbes, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026

The surge in both metals reflects a convergence of factors, including investors seeking alternatives to traditional assets, ongoing concerns about currency devaluation and persistent geopolitical tensions. —Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 27 Jan. 2026

Deutsche Bank, though, thinks the possibility of a major currency devaluation is unlikely. —Davis Giangiulio, CNBC, 27 Jan. 2026

The oil downturn and currency devaluation of the early 1980s shook Venezuelan society deeply, hollowing out the middle class and undermining trust in political institutions. —Arkansas Online, 9 Jan. 2026

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