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.
As Black women mourn her loss and grapple with the realities of a capitalist system that devalues our lives and labor, we are comforted by the legacy Assata Shakur leaves behind. Essence, 30 Sep. 2025 If the veracity and reliability of government data are regularly criticized and devalued by the administration anytime the facts contradict the administration’s positions, and those who speak out are at risk of losing their jobs, trust in all government data, and the agencies themselves, erodes. Sheldon Jacobson, Twin Cities, 25 Sep. 2025 The Saturday Night Live vet and Parks and Recreation alumna blasted the Oscars for devaluing the genre in a recent interview on her Good Hang podcast. Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 21 Sep. 2025 Since Bitcoin is seen as a hedge against a devaluing currency, a weaker dollar can make Bitcoin more attractive. Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Devalue.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/devalue. Accessed 8 Oct. 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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