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

Iran is reportedly planning to charge firms in cryptocurrency to pass through the strait — $1 per barrel of oil — a move that reflects how the regime’s digital currency ecosystem has grown due to sanctions and the rial’s devaluation, The Wall Street Journal wrote. —J.d. Capelouto, semafor.com, 9 Apr. 2026

The changes – which included a devaluation of the local currency – have started to bring Nigerian inflation under control, stabilized the monetary unit, and spurred investment in the oil, gas and agricultural sectors. —Emele Onu, Bloomberg, 7 Apr. 2026

Flexibility protects against devaluations. —Christopher Elliott, USA Today, 5 Apr. 2026

The lawsuit, filed in December, claims the unconstitutional language was used to stop the project, resulting in a 90% devaluation of the land. —Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 29 Mar. 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