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

If the baby boomer had held on, that original stake—not accounting for any stock dilution—would be worth more than $597 billion today. —Preston Fore, Fortune, 23 Feb. 2026

That indicates to us that the downward revision to profitability is the result of share count dilution, resulting from the CyberArk and Chronosphere acquisitions, rather than anything relating to the fundamentals. —Zev Fima, CNBC, 18 Feb. 2026

For top schools, the biggest risk might be brand dilution. —Rose Horowitch, The Atlantic, 18 Feb. 2026

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

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