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

• 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

Between the diminution of the room and the presence of the attendees, and the ability to interact with objects in a 3D space, the result is one of being there in the same moment, engaging with the same things. —Ray Ravaglia, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2025

There are many worthwhile ways to write about the arts, but her sniping at reviews suggests a faux expansion that would actually be a grave diminution. —Richard Brody, New Yorker, 24 July 2025

The demonstrable diminution of Russia’s space-exploration capabilities and plans makes the nation’s need for partnerships all the more urgent—and, some analysts say, all the harder to come by because Russia seemingly has less to offer potential partners. —Eugene Gerden, Scientific American, 30 June 2025

After noticing a global gap in effective and trusted protection when faced with financial diminution, the company honed in on the product, refining it to meet the needs of employees worldwide. —Ethan Stone, USA TODAY, 12 Mar. 2025

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

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!

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