diversification

noun

di·​ver·​si·​fi·​ca·​tion də-ˌvər-sə-fə-ˈkā-shən 

dī-

1

: the act or process of diversifying something or of becoming diversified : an increase in the variety or diversity of something

Between the appearance of complex cells 2.1 billion to 1.6 billion years ago and the explosive diversification of multicellular animals some 800 million years ago, not much happens in the fossil record.

—Carolyn Gramling

2

a

: the act or practice of spreading investments among a variety of securities or classes of securities

I've emphasized bond mutual funds because they're so useful for investors of average means. You get diversification (because the fund owns many types of bonds) and liquidity (you can cash out, at the market price, whenever you want).

—Jane Bryant Quinn

b

: the act or policy of increasing the variety of a company's products

And it envisions a diversification into products such as clothing and electronics, which Nakasone hopes will attract more customers outside the busy holiday season.

—Karl Taro Greenfeld

Examples of diversification in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Alts can provide additional diversification, a hedge against inflation in some scenarios and even the potential for higher returns than the stock market. —Amy Wagner and Steve Hruby, The Enquirer, 6 Nov. 2024

As the first openly gay driver in the NHRA, his commitment to inclusivity and diversification within the sport is as celebrated as his professional endeavors. —Marco Rubio, Newsweek, 2 Nov. 2024

The multi-hyphenate entrepreneur's portfolio spans entertainment, beauty, and digital media, showing a masterclass in revenue diversification. —Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 29 Oct. 2024

Calls for supply chain diversification picked up during the Covid-19 pandemic. —Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Middle French & Medieval Latin; Middle French diversificacion, diversification, borrowed from Medieval Latin dīversificātiōn-, dīversificātiō "differentiation, variation," from dīversificāre "to differentiate, diversify" + Latin -tiōn- -tiō, suffix of verbal action

First Known Use

1603, in the meaning defined at sense 1