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

In 2024, the SEC adopted new rules for SPACs, requiring them to provide more disclosure about items including conflicts of interest, sponsor compensation, and dilution. —Luisa Beltran, Fortune, 1 July 2025

And so the concept of market dilution becomes highly relevant... —ArsTechnica, 26 June 2025

The metal interacts with the ice and liquid to accelerate the chilling and dilution and produce a frothy texture. —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 24 June 2025

But unlike many investment stories, this one didn’t lead to a dilution of values. —Simon Mainwaring, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025

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