devolution

noun

de·​vo·​lu·​tion ˌde-və-ˈlü-shən 

 also  ˌdē-və-

1

: transference (as of rights, powers, property, or responsibility) to another

especially : the surrender of powers to local authorities by a central government

2

: retrograde (see retrograde entry 1 sense 2) evolution : degeneration

devolutionary

ˌde-və-ˈlü-shə-ˌner-ē 

 also  ˌdē-və-

adjective

devolutionist

ˌde-və-ˈlü-sh(ə-)nist 

 also  ˌdē-və-

noun

Synonyms

• decadence
• declension
• declination
• decline
• degeneracy
• degeneration
• degradation
• dégringolade
• descent
• deterioration
• downfall
• downgrade
• ebb
• eclipse
• fall

Examples of devolution in a Sentence

the gradual devolution of the neighborhood from a thriving community of close-knit families to a drug-ridden slum

Recent Examples on the Web

Maybe the game won't sync across platforms, and the impedance of having to start all over will be enough to prevent notable devolution. —Kevin Purdy, Ars Technica, 5 Sep. 2024

Stan shows us that devolution with a careful precision, forgoing imitation for a true embodiment. —Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 1 Sep. 2024

Devo, who celebrated 50 years of devolution last year, will play the Ohana Festival in Dana Point, CA on Sept. 24. —Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 9 Aug. 2024

The royal couple made the trip to mark the 25th anniversary of the Welsh Parliament's devolution from the U.K. government. —Janine Henni, Peoplemag, 12 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Medieval Latin dēvolūtiōn-, dēvolūtiō "passage of time, passing down of a task, transference of legal proceedings," from Latin dēvolū-, variant stem of dēvolvere "to roll (something) down, (in passive voice) sink or fall back, become subject to, be passed down to (an heir)" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at devolve

First Known Use

1545, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Legal Definition

devolution

noun

de·​vo·​lu·​tion ˌde-və-ˈlü-shən, ˌdē- 

: the transfer (as of rights, powers, property, or responsibility) to another