devolution

noun

de·​vo·​lu·​tion ˌde-və-ˈlü-shən 

 also  ˌdē-və-

1

: transference (as of rights, powers, property, or responsibility) to another

especially : the surrender of powers to local authorities by a central government

2

: retrograde (see retrograde entry 1 sense 2) evolution : degeneration

devolutionary

ˌde-və-ˈlü-shə-ˌner-ē 

 also  ˌdē-və-

adjective

devolutionist

ˌde-və-ˈlü-sh(ə-)nist 

 also  ˌdē-və-

noun

Synonyms

• deterioration
• degradation
• decline
• declination
• descent

Examples of devolution in a Sentence

the gradual devolution of the neighborhood from a thriving community of close-knit families to a drug-ridden slum

Recent Examples on the Web

Follow Pope Francis’ example April 23, 2025 Gomez’s devolution was especially dispiriting because L.A. Catholic leaders have taught their American peers how to embrace Latino immigrants ever since Archbishop John Cantwell helped refugees from Mexico’s Cristero War resettle in the city in the 1920s. —Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2025

Huerter stands by his explanation for his devolution with the Kings and return to form with the Bulls. —Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 4 Apr. 2025

He’s consistently cast a cold, yet never chilly eye at his native country’s evolutions, devolutions and detours, with one orb always on the human beings swept up in and/or desperately swimming to keep pace with the waves of change. —David Fear, Rolling Stone, 9 May 2025

The increasingly zero-sum battle for court appointments reflects this devolution in legislative politics. —Jonathan Schlefer, Foreign Affairs, 15 Mar. 2021

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Medieval Latin dēvolūtiōn-, dēvolūtiō "passage of time, passing down of a task, transference of legal proceedings," from Latin dēvolū-, variant stem of dēvolvere "to roll (something) down, (in passive voice) sink or fall back, become subject to, be passed down to (an heir)" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at devolve

First Known Use

1545, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for devolution

• absolution
• allocution
• attribution
• comminution
• constitution
• contribution
• convolution
• destitution
• diminution
• dissolution
• distribution
• elocution

Legal Definition

devolution

noun

de·​vo·​lu·​tion ˌde-və-ˈlü-shən, ˌdē- 

: the transfer (as of rights, powers, property, or responsibility) to another