devalue

verb

de·​val·​ue (ˌ)dē-ˈval-(ˌ)yü How to pronounce devalue (audio)
devalued; devaluing; devalues

transitive verb

1
: to institute the devaluation of (money)
2
: to lessen the value of

intransitive verb

: to institute devaluation

Examples of devalue in a Sentence

The government has decided to devalue its currency. Economic woes forced the government to devalue. He argues that placing too many requirements on schools devalues the education they provide.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In this country, we are obsessed with content and curriculum, all the while devaluing presence and proximity, which are two teaching values hard to describe or quantify (or, indeed, teach). Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2025 From threats to collective bargaining to dismissive rhetoric, many feel devalued. Gena Cox, Forbes.com, 6 May 2025 Russian officials cautioned Tuesday that the country's economy could face significant strain if China moves to devalue the yuan in retaliation against steep tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump amid an intensifying trade war. Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Apr. 2025 Fans speculated that the team traded Doncic to devalue the franchise before attempting to move. Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for devalue

Word History

First Known Use

1918, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of devalue was in 1918

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Devalue.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/devalue. Accessed 20 May. 2025.

Legal Definition

devalue

transitive verb
de·​val·​ue (ˌ)dē-ˈval-(ˌ)yü How to pronounce devalue (audio)
devalued; devaluing
1
: to institute the devaluation of (money)
2
: to lessen the value of
devaluing assets

More from Merriam-Webster on devalue

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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