devalue

verb

de·​val·​ue (ˌ)dē-ˈval-(ˌ)yü 

devalued; devaluing; devalues

transitive verb

1

: to institute the devaluation of (money)

2

: to lessen the value of

intransitive verb

: to institute devaluation

Synonyms

• attenuate
• break
• cheapen
• depreciate
• depress
• devaluate
• downgrade
• lower
• mark down
• reduce
• sink
• write down
• write off

Examples of devalue in a Sentence

The government has decided to devalue its currency.

Economic woes forced the government to devalue.

He argues that placing too many requirements on schools devalues the education they provide.

Recent Examples on the Web

Originality could be devalued, and biases embedded in AI models may perpetuate inequities or distort market dynamics. —Ali Hoss, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024

Just like his neglectful father did, the scribe devalues his wife and child to chase someone else’s idea of success. —Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 3 Dec. 2024

Thoreau used the word to describe how society devalues complex ideas in favor of simple ones. —Emily Dreibelbis Forlini, PCMAG, 2 Dec. 2024

In their view, these tools devalue human writing, and are helping usher in a future in which there are far fewer professional opportunities for people to make a living in the field. —Kate Knibbs, WIRED, 26 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1918, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Legal Definition

devalue

transitive verb

de·​val·​ue (ˌ)dē-ˈval-(ˌ)yü 

devalued; devaluing

1

: to institute the devaluation of (money)

2

: to lessen the value of

devaluing assets