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

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

Examples of dilution in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

With a market cap of $59 billion, that’s a huge dilution for existing shareholders. —Peter Green, Quartz, 30 Sep. 2024

The sorting is by growth in revenue per share, since a boost in revenue made possible by a dilution of the share base doesn’t do much good for investors. —William Baldwin, Forbes, 21 Sep. 2024

Typically, the dilution ratio for liquid bluing is ¼ teaspoon to 1 quart of water, but always consult the usage guidelines on the bottle, as instructions vary from brand to brand. —Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Sep. 2024

But because units are not standardized across the field, a less-than-reputable place theoretically could (and often does) offer lower prices using a markedly lower dilution and consumers would never know the difference. —Danielle Cohen, Allure, 23 July 2024

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

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