dilution

noun

di·​lu·​tion dī-ˈlü-shən 

də-

1

: the action of diluting : the state of being diluted

2

: something (such as a solution) that is diluted

3

: a lessening of real value (as of equity) by a decrease in relative worth: as

a

: a decrease of per share value of common stock by an increase in the total number of shares

b

: a decrease in the value of a trademark arising from use of the mark by another that creates confusion in the consumer

4

: a weakening (as by redistricting) of the voting rights of a group of citizens (such as a minority) that defeats an equal opportunity to elect a candidate of their choice

Examples of dilution in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The dismantling of Section 2 would open the floodgates for widespread vote dilution by allowing primarily Southern state legislatures to redraw political districts, weakening the voting power of racial minorities. —Robert D. Bland, The Conversation, 3 Feb. 2026

Alcohol does not require soaking; it is used right out of the bottle without dilution. —Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Feb. 2026

When early revenue covers initial expenses, founders are often better able to avoid dilution and maintain control. —William Jones, AZCentral.com, 28 Jan. 2026

Microsoft saw a decrease in its proportionate ownership of OpenAI, yielding a dilution gain. —Jordan Novet, CNBC, 28 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Late Latin dīlūtiōn-, dīlūtiō, from Latin dīluere "to wash away, dissolve, make thinner by mixing with water" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at dilute entry 1

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for dilution

• ablution
• aleutian
• confucian
• elution
• locution
• pollution
• solution
• volution
• absolution
• allocution
• attribution
• comminution

Kids Definition

dilution

noun

di·​lu·​tion dī-ˈlü-shən 

də-

1

: the action of diluting : the state of being diluted

2

: something (as a solution) that is diluted

Medical Definition

dilution

noun

di·​lu·​tion dī-ˈlü-shən, də- 

1

: the action of diluting : the state of being diluted

2

: something (as a solution) that is diluted

Legal Definition

dilution

noun

di·​lu·​tion dī-ˈlü-shən, də- 

1

: a lessening of real value (as of equity) by a decrease in relative worth

specifically : a decrease of the value per share of common stock caused by an increase in the total number of shares

2

: a lessening of the value of a trademark that is caused by use of the mark by another and that creates potential confusion on the part of the consumer

3

: a weakening of the voting rights of a group of citizens (as a minority) because the representatives they elect have no greater legislative power than the representatives elected by smaller voting groups