devolution

1 of 2

noun (1)

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

devolutionist

2 of 2

noun (2)

dev·​o·​lu·​tion·​ist -sh(ə)nə̇st 

plural -s

: an advocate or practicer of devolution especially in government : a person favoring a high degree of autonomy in local government

Synonyms of devolution

Noun (1)

• deterioration
• degradation
• decline
• declination
• descent

Examples of devolution in a Sentence

Noun (1)

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

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The dam breaks, and Regina splits into laughter at Jobim’s deadpan devolution into nonsense. — Lily Goldberg, Pitchfork, 13 June 2026

Jabra has been at the forefront of the OTC hearing aid market since the beginning, aided by a ruthless devolution to continuously refining its audio processing chips and employing always-available audiologists who can tune the devices remotely. — Christopher Null, Wired News, 6 May 2026

Out next month, Star follows the rise of two fictional musical acts—a pop star, Ashley, and Siren8, a teen idol group—and the gradual devolution of fan admiration into obsession, and eventually, violence. — Jenny Tinghui Zhang, Vogue, 24 Mar. 2026

Several factors beyond the democratization of the presidential nominating process have driven the devolution of the Democratic and Republican parties. — David M. Drucker, Twin Cities, 22 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

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

Noun (1)

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