devolution

American  

[dev-uh-loo-shuhn, dee-vuh-] / ˌdɛv əˈlu ʃən, ˈdi və- /

noun

1. the act or fact of devolving; passage onward from stage to stage.

2. the passing on to a successor of an unexercised right.

3. Law. the passing of property from one to another, as by hereditary succession.

4. Biology. degeneration.

5. the transfer of power or authority from a central government to a local government.

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devolution British  

/ ˌdiːvəˈluːʃən /

noun

1. the act, fact, or result of devolving

2. a passing onwards or downwards from one stage to another

3. another word for degeneration

4. a transfer or allocation of authority, esp from a central government to regional governments or particular interests

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Other Word Forms

• devolutionary adjective
• devolutionist noun

Etymology

Origin of devolution

1535–45; (< Middle French ) < Medieval Latin dēvolūtiōn- (stem of dēvolūtiō ) a rolling down, equivalent to Latin dēvolūt ( us ) rolled down (past participle of dēvolvere; devolve ) + -iōn- -ion

Explanation

Devolution is a process of decline. Something has gone from great to good, good to bad, or excellent all the way to horrible. If you know that evolution refers to how smaller or lesser creatures evolved into more complex beings, than you have a great clue to what devolution means. When devolution occurs, things have gone in a negative direction. If a rich person loses all their money, that's devolution. If a championship basketball team suddenly has a losing record, that's devolution. This word also refers to a central government delegating authority to a smaller body, such as a regional government.

Example Sentences

Ap Iorwerth said the 7 May poll was the "most important election in the history of devolution".

From BBC • Mar. 30, 2026

For more than a year, Scottish politicians have been grappling with matters of life and death as they debated one of the most contested bills in the history of devolution.

From BBC • Mar. 16, 2026

"We are fully committed to devolution and continue to work in genuine partnership with the devolved governments, while delivering directly across the UK where we have the powers and responsibility to do so," they added.

From BBC • Mar. 11, 2026

"In Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, there are clearly reserved areas of governmental responsibilities and this government is committed to upholding this devolution settlement with mutual respect and partnership."

From BBC • Mar. 10, 2026

A widespread impression appears to exist that devolution as a means for solving the Irish political problem is a modern invention, and that I am, in a large measure, responsible for its introduction.

From The New Irish Constitution by Morgan, J. H.

Related Words

• deterioration
• downturn
• drop
• failure
• fall
• recession
• slump
• weakening