devaluation

noun

de·​val·​u·​a·​tion (ˌ)dē-ˌval-yə-ˈwā-shən 

-yü-ˈā-

1

: an official reduction in the exchange value of a currency by a lowering of its gold equivalency or its value relative to another currency

2

: a lessening especially of status or stature : decline

Examples of devaluation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

With the alarming inflation levels and the Naira's persistent underperformance and devaluations, bitcoin's stark contrast continues to present a haven for those on the ground. —Abubakar Nur Khalil, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024

Demand remained high despite Iran's economic instability and currency devaluation, pushing up the prices of older devices. —Nina Turner, Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2024

While loyalty program changes are often synonymous with devaluations, Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan plans to reward its most loyal members in the new year by adding more ways to earn perks than ever before. —Stella Shon, Travel + Leisure, 16 Oct. 2024

Seeking to close that gap without another devaluation, Milei commanded Argentina’s central bank to use national reserves to sell dollars in the informal market to bring down the official price of dollars. —María Victoria Murillo, Foreign Affairs, 23 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1914, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing devaluation

• pre-devaluation

Legal Definition

devaluation

noun

de·​val·​u·​ation (ˌ)dē-ˌval-yə-ˈwā-shən 

1

: an official reduction in the exchange value of a currency by a lowering of its gold equivalency or its value relative to another currency

2

: a lessening of the value of something (as an asset)

portfolio devaluation