deregulation

American  

[dee-reg-yuh-ley-shuhn] / diˌrɛg yəˈleɪ ʃən /

noun

1. the act or process of removing legislative controls or restrictions from an industry, commodity, etc..

   I predicted then that such a massive deregulation of the banking industry would seriously harm the economy.

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Etymology

Origin of deregulation

de- ( def. ) + regulation ( def. )

Explanation

A regulation is basically a rule or directive made by an authority. Deregulation is the removal, or cancellation, of certain rules or directives. (The prefix "de-" here means "remove.") Governments set lots of regulations to create order and uniformity in a particular industry, like banking or manufacturing. When bankers and manufacturers don't like these regulations, they ask the government for fewer controls and restrictions, or deregulation. If your parents are constantly meddling in your life and you would like them to give you a little more freedom, you might consider asking them for deregulation. Your vocabulary might just impress them enough to grant it.

Example Sentences

It directly inspired Congress’ 1978 Airline Deregulation Act, which ushered in an era of competitive domestic airline markets with lower fares.

From Barron's • Jan. 29, 2026

President Carter’s Airline Deregulation Act had upended the industry’s economics.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 11, 2025

Deregulation, globalization and personal computers transformed the concept of office work.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 19, 2025

Deregulation, signed into law by President Jimmy Carter in 1978, reshuffled the industry.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 8, 2023

The Depository Institutions Deregulation and Monetary Control Act of 1980 forced S&L's to achieve interest parity with commercial banks, thus eliminating the interest ceiling on deposits which they enjoyed hitherto.

From Crime and Corruption by Vaknin, Samuel

Related Words

• free trade