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

Too often, digital asset projects have been about the blockchain itself—its speed, its decentralization, its innovation. —Bryan Benson, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025

Unlike the proprietary systems, TCP/IP was openly shared and freely modifiable, enabling rapid adoption, innovation and decentralization. —Mohammad Hosseini, Chicago Tribune, 5 Feb. 2025

The piece also interrogates whether decentralization is the right direction, and what systems, ultimately, will inspire care, maintenance, and the preservation of human civilization’s culture and history in the decades and centuries to come. —Cheri Lucas Rowlands, Longreads, 31 Dec. 2024

This shift presents both opportunities and challenges for the wider AI landscape, suggesting a potential decentralization of AI applications—a prospect that could democratize access and foster further innovation in the sector. —Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 28 Jan. 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