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

• 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

Apple’s new top-of-the-line handset has its best cameras to date, an improved heat dissipation system and its most significant physical redesign in years. —Bloomberg, Mercury News, 20 Oct. 2025

Lorenzo is expected to weaken into a dissipation. —Miami Herald Hurricane Bot, Miami Herald, 14 Oct. 2025

Battery Life Apple improved battery life in the iPhone 17 Pro through better heat dissipation and by creating more space for a bigger battery. —Jakob Schiller, Outside, 23 Sep. 2025

Shortcomings, however, were noted in heat dissipation, battery life, and the single rear camera. —PC Magazine, 22 Sep. 2025

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