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

This intellectual property integrity lapse sets a precedent that weakens protections for creators across industries, undermines their financial stability, and eventually infringes on the intellectual rights of content creators, devaluing the very essence of intellectual property itself. —Hamilton Mann, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025

Therefore, it’s only recommended to purchase miles right before finding an ideal redemption, as the value of miles can be devalued at any point. —Stella Shon, Travel + Leisure, 27 Dec. 2024

All the extra sh*t that comes with it, that means that someone is trying to devalue you or finesse you out of something. —Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 27 Dec. 2024

The string of new reforms introduced devalued the currency, cut an electricity subsidy and ended a fuel subsidy, which were some of the few benefits Nigerians received. —Brittney Melton, NPR, 26 Dec. 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