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

Despite highly unusual aid from our nation, an acute crunch including a devaluation of Argentina’s currency and a 10th default on its debt is very possible. —Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 19 Oct. 2025

Gold has been a prized asset for over 5,000 years and today is seen as a hedge against inflation, currency devaluation, and geopolitical shocks. —Charlie Campbell, Time, 15 Oct. 2025

The bailout offer, to a country with a history of default and devaluation, is aimed at helping Trump’s political ally President Javier Milei notch a win in Oct. 26 midterm elections that will keep his program of drastic economic reforms on track. —Dave Smith, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2025

Getty Images Entertainment | Getty Images Bridgewater founder Ray Dalio said Friday that gold and non-fiat currencies will become stronger stores of value as major currencies face devaluation risks amid mounting debt pressures globally. —Anniek Bao, CNBC, 19 Sep. 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