dissipation

noun

dis·​si·​pa·​tion ˌdi-sə-ˈpā-shən 

1

: the action or process of dissipating : the state of being dissipated:

a

: dispersion, diffusion

the dissipation of the smoke

the dissipation of enemy forces

b

archaic : dissolution, disintegration

c

: wasteful expenditure

the dissipation of the family's fortune

d

: intemperate living

especially : excessive drinking

2

: an act of self-indulgence

lived a life of dissipation

especially : one that is not harmful : amusement

Synonyms

• abjection
• corruption
• corruptness
• debasement
• debauchery
• decadence
• decadency
• degeneracy
• degenerateness
• degeneration
• degradation
• demoralization
• depravity
• dissipatedness
• dissoluteness
• libertinage
• libertinism
• perversion
• pervertedness
• rakishness
• turpitude

Examples of dissipation in a Sentence

Insulation helps prevent the dissipation of heat from houses in the winter.

a movie about the dissipation of a famous heir's fortune

He lived a life of dissipation.

Recent Examples on the Web

According to Power Plant Efficiency, natural gas and oil power plants operate between 33% - 60% and 30% respectively due to heat dissipation. —Dianne Plummer, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2025

While diamond's heat dissipation is widely recognized, achieving better charge transport has been the bottleneck. —New Atlas, 30 Nov. 2024

New hardware for heat dissipation is being introduced to the entire iPhone 17 range, according to a Fast Technology report from Chinese tech site, mydrivers.com. —David Phelan, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025

Try to avoid the sun, as sunburn makes the job of heat dissipation much more difficult. —Diana Leyva, The Tennessean, 27 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

see dissipate

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for dissipation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

dissipation

noun

dis·​si·​pa·​tion ˌdis-ə-ˈpā-shən 

: the action or process of dissipating : the state of being dissipated