dilution

noun

di·​lu·​tion dī-ˈlü-shən 

də-

1

: the action of diluting : the state of being diluted

2

: something (such as a solution) that is diluted

3

: a lessening of real value (as of equity) by a decrease in relative worth

specifically : a decrease of per share value of common stock by an increase in the total number of shares

Examples of dilution in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Traders have already signaled hesitation at the potential for dilution. —Derek Saul, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025

The analyst noted that the pullback in COP shares since the announcement of the Marathon Oil acquisition indicates that moderate inventory dilution resulting from the deal has already been priced into the stock. —Tipranks.com Staff, CNBC, 5 Jan. 2025

Brands walk a fine line, leveraging Squid Game's cultural cachet while risking the dilution of its message. —Stephanie Gravalese, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025

Based on results from a national wastewater dilution model, the authors calculated that PFAS discharges in wastewater may be permeating the drinking water supplies of as many as 23 million Americans. —Sharon Udasin, The Hill, 6 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Late Latin dīlūtiōn-, dīlūtiō, from Latin dīluere "to wash away, dissolve, make thinner by mixing with water" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at dilute entry 1

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

dilution

noun

di·​lu·​tion dī-ˈlü-shən 

də-

1

: the action of diluting : the state of being diluted

2

: something (as a solution) that is diluted

Medical Definition

dilution

noun

di·​lu·​tion dī-ˈlü-shən, də- 

1

: the action of diluting : the state of being diluted

2

: something (as a solution) that is diluted

Legal Definition

dilution

noun

di·​lu·​tion dī-ˈlü-shən, də- 

1

: a lessening of real value (as of equity) by a decrease in relative worth

specifically : a decrease of the value per share of common stock caused by an increase in the total number of shares

2

: a lessening of the value of a trademark that is caused by use of the mark by another and that creates potential confusion on the part of the consumer

3

: a weakening of the voting rights of a group of citizens (as a minority) because the representatives they elect have no greater legislative power than the representatives elected by smaller voting groups