diminution

noun

dim·​i·​nu·​tion ˌdi-mə-ˈnü-shən 

also -ˈnyü-

: the act, process, or an instance of becoming gradually less (as in size or importance) : the act, process, or an instance of diminishing : decrease

a diminution in value

Did you know?

In his late 14th century tragic poem Troilus and Criseyde, Geoffrey Chaucer employed the word diminution, contrasting the verb encrece (“increase”) with the phrase “maken dyminucion” (“make diminution”). Like many words Chaucer used, diminution came to English from Anglo-French, and ultimately from the Latin word deminuere, meaning “to diminish,” which is also an ancestor of the English verb diminish. That word entered the language in the 15th century, and the related noun diminishment, a synonym of diminution, was adopted in the 16th century.

Synonyms of diminution

• decrease
• reduction
• dent
• decline
• drop

Examples of diminution in a Sentence

a diminution of 60 percent over the course of the month

Recent Examples on the Web

Goddard’s diminution is part of a broader pivot at NASA as the White House redirects the space agency to put American astronauts on the moon by 2028. — Eric Niiler, Scientific American, 22 Sep. 2026

Around the halfway point of Chekhov’s The Cherry Orchard, Petya Trofimov — eternal grad student, moral purist, and former tutor to the once wealthy family whose diminution sits at the heart of the play — makes a speech. — Sara Holdren, Vulture, 18 Sep. 2026

Yet the club is understood not to be concerned about the delay driving a diminution in sponsorship values. — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026

Simmons and Democrat Commissioner Roderick Miles said the diminution of polling locations creates unfair voter access. — Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English diminucioun, from Anglo-French diminutiun, from Medieval Latin diminution-, diminutio, alteration of Latin deminution-, deminutio, from deminuere "to lessen" — more at diminish

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for diminution

• absolution
• allocution
• attribution
• comminution
• constitution
• contribution
• convolution
• destitution
• devolution
• dissolution
• distribution
• elocution

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Kids Definition

diminution

noun

dim·​i·​nu·​tion ˌdim-ə-ˈn(y)ü-shən 

: the act, process, or an instance of diminishing : decrease

Legal Definition

diminution

noun

dim·​i·​nu·​tion ˌdi-mə-ˈnü-shən, -ˈnyü- 

: the act, process, or an instance of making less

diminution of access to health care

—U.S. Code