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

Under the Trump administration, the devolution of the American ideal has accelerated in some ways that could only exist in the unique context of the current moment, and others that mirror the predictable, centuries old ouroboros of political power and decline. —Nikki McCann Ramirez, Rolling Stone, 22 Sep. 2025

It certainly isn’t made better when her friends start grilling him about his participation in the devolution of Belly and Jeremiah’s relationship. —Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 17 Sep. 2025

Conservatives saw all this as the devolution of post-Watts rioting into utter lawlessness. —Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 18 Aug. 2025

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

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