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

According to the brand, this blanco expression is bottled straight from the still without any dilution. —Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 8 Aug. 2024

Over the seven-month span when Skydance has submitted multiple proposals, a lot of investors have cried foul over the dilution will occur to Class B holders when new shares are issued to allow Skydance to buy Paramount. —Dade Hayes, Deadline, 31 July 2024

Even if a bale were to break open, or a shark were to bite into one, the dilution effect of the surrounding water likely means that total exposure would be minimal. —Sean Mowbray, Discover Magazine, 26 July 2024

Under the 2018 pay deal for Musk, Tesla would issue about 304 million new shares, creating a dilution effect of about 9%, the firm said. —Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 27 May 2024

Word History

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