dissipation

noun

dis·​si·​pa·​tion ˌdi-sə-ˈpā-shən 

1

: the action or process of dissipating : the state of being dissipated:

a

: dispersion, diffusion

the dissipation of the smoke

the dissipation of enemy forces

b

archaic : dissolution, disintegration

c

: wasteful expenditure

the dissipation of the family's fortune

d

: intemperate living

especially : excessive drinking

2

: an act of self-indulgence

lived a life of dissipation

especially : one that is not harmful : amusement

Synonyms of dissipation

• degradation
• corruption
• dissoluteness
• corruptness

Examples of dissipation in a Sentence

Insulation helps prevent the dissipation of heat from houses in the winter.

a movie about the dissipation of a famous heir's fortune

He lived a life of dissipation.

Recent Examples on the Web

Both machines run on the same 12-core M6 chip, but have quite different thermal dissipation and airflow due to their radically different designs. — Brian Westover, PC Magazine, 5 Nov. 2026

Dusty coils can interfere with heat dissipation and may reduce refrigerator efficiency. — Brigitt Earley, Martha Stewart, 4 Nov. 2026

The years that followed were plagued by stagnation and dissipation of any peace process, regular wars with Hamas, and a heavily nationalist government in Israel. — Dahlia Scheindlin, Time, 7 Oct. 2026

And that’s where the groundswell of the past few weeks isn’t just another temporary dissipation of some angry energy. — Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 25 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

see dissipate

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for dissipation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

dissipation

noun

dis·​si·​pa·​tion ˌdis-ə-ˈpā-shən 

: the action or process of dissipating : the state of being dissipated