devalue

verb

de·​val·​ue (ˌ)dē-ˈval-(ˌ)yü 

devalued; devaluing; devalues

transitive verb

1

: to institute the devaluation of (money)

2

: to lessen the value of

intransitive verb

: to institute devaluation

Synonyms of devalue

• reduce

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

Some may call it pandering, image rehabilitation, or anything that would devalue his consistent commitment to highlighting women throughout his career. — Armon Sadler, Rolling Stone, 16 Sep. 2026

So bond markets are demanding a higher yield to compensate them for the growing risk that their investments will be devalued over time by rising prices. — David Goldman, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2026

The production of so much fake news inevitably devalues reportage. — Nick Holdstock, The Dial, 8 Sep. 2026

France devalued its currency in 1927, the United Kingdom abandoned the gold standard in 1931, and the same year Germany imposed import restrictions and rationed access to foreign currency. — Michael Pettis, Foreign Affairs, 28 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1918, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 2

Rhymes for devalue

• accrue
• ado
• ainu
• aircrew
• airscrew
• anew
• askew
• baboo
• babu
• bamboo
• beaucoup
• bijou

Legal Definition

devalue

transitive verb

de·​val·​ue (ˌ)dē-ˈval-(ˌ)yü 

devalued; devaluing

1

: to institute the devaluation of (money)

2

: to lessen the value of

devaluing assets