decentralization

noun

de·​cen·​tral·​i·​za·​tion (ˌ)dē-ˌsen-trə-lə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce decentralization (audio)
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 verb

Examples of decentralization in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The trend of decentralization behind many of the new innovations can also be used by VCs. Dr Guenther Dobrauz-Saldapenna, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024 For enterprises, OpenAI and Anthropic can employ similar controls to those that have already made corporations comfortable with cloud solutions—all while delivering these capabilities at a fraction of the cost of decentralization. Christian Catalini, Forbes, 26 Nov. 2024 Tim Berners-Lee will carry on the fight against corporate control of the Internet through decentralization protocols. Byandrew Nusca, Fortune, 3 Oct. 2024 This is crucial for any blockchain network that aims to scale while maintaining its core principles of decentralization and security. Ayush Gupta, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for decentralization 

Word History

First Known Use

1846, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of decentralization was in 1846

Dictionary Entries Near decentralization

Cite this Entry

“Decentralization.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/decentralization. Accessed 18 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on decentralization

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!