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

This underscores gold's role as a safeguard against currency devaluation. —Sharon Wu, CBS News, 12 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

Ray Dalio, the billionaire founder of Bridgewater Associates, the world’s largest hedge fund, delivered a stark warning regarding the United States’ escalating national debt—and dollar devaluation—during a recent interview on the David Rubenstein Show. —Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 9 Jan. 2026

Videos circulating Thursday showed demonstrators tearing the Iranian flag in northern Iran as protests fueled by soaring inflation, currency devaluation and deep discontent with the country’s theocratic leadership continued to spread. —Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 8 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