decentralization

noun

de·​cen·​tral·​i·​za·​tion (ˌ)dē-ˌsen-trə-lə-ˈzā-shən 

1

: the dispersion or distribution of functions and powers

a decentralization of powers

specifically, government : the delegation of power from a central authority to regional and local authorities

the decentralization of the state's public school system

government decentralization

2

sociology : the redistribution of population and industry from urban centers to outlying areas

decentralize

(ˌ)dē-ˈsen-trə-ˌlīz 

verb

Examples of decentralization in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

To quote an essay published by Temple University Press in 2005, the San Francisco Bay Area provides a good case study on industrial decentralization. —Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 11 Apr. 2025

Institutions are laying tracks beneath the surface—moving trillions, settling trades, and weaving decentralization into the foundations of financial infrastructure. —Roomy Khan, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025

This data decentralization keeps Enpass users far safer than password managers that pool user data onto centralized company servers. —PC Magazine, 31 Mar. 2025

Looking ahead, Collins sees major opportunities in fintech through disintermediation, decentralization, and blockchain technology. —Christer Holloman, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1846, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for decentralization

• acclimatisation
• acclimatization
• acidification
• actualization
• annualization
• autocorrelation
• autoregulation
• beatification
• beneficiation
• biodegradation
• biotransformation
• bureaucratization