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 of devolution

• 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

Burnham has made devolution a major theme since taking office less than two months ago, but his focus has been on regional governments across England, a reflection of his years as mayor of Greater Manchester. — Brian Melley, Los Angeles Times, 14 Sep. 2026

The budget is likely to retain a focus on devolution, greater public control of public services and more private sector partnerships, but contain little to change the macro outlook, Monks said in a note Monday. — Jenni Reid, CNBC, 9 Sep. 2026

Reddington said handwritten notes from Clancy proved the devolution of her mental state in the fall and winter of 2022. — Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 27 Aug. 2026

That was a time of devolution in the UK, with the re-establishment of the Scottish Parliament and Welsh Senedd green-lit in 1997, and Northern Ireland’s Assembly a year later. — George Edwards, New York Times, 31 July 2026

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

15th century, in the meaning defined above

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