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

Healthcare startups and legacy systems alike that align with Web3 values—decentralization, transparency, ownership, and interoperability—will be best positioned to earn Gen Z’s trust and participation. —Chrissa McFarlane, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025

Alignment of values is deeply reflected in Chainlink Labs' focus on decentralization, transparency and empowerment, ensuring that individual purpose aligns with organizational goals. —Newsweek Rankings, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 May 2025

Weinstein rejected those comparisons, seeing his platform as an ideal Facebook rival and remaining a board member through the app's more recent shift to decentralization. —ArsTechnica, 21 May 2025

The Physics of Decentralization Historically, revolutions in computing have followed a pendulum swing between centralization and decentralization. —Craig S. Smith, Forbes.com, 19 May 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