depreciation

American  

[dih-pree-shee-ey-shuhn] / dɪˌpri ʃiˈeɪ ʃən /

noun

1. decrease in value due to wear and tear, decay, decline in price, etc.

2. such a decrease as allowed in computing the value of property for tax purposes.

3. a decrease in the purchasing or exchange value of money.

4. a lowering in estimation.

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depreciation British  

/ dɪˌpriːʃɪˈeɪʃən /

noun

1. accounting

   1. the reduction in value of a fixed asset due to use, obsolescence, etc

   2. the amount deducted from gross profit to allow for such reduction in value

2. accounting a modified amount permitted for purposes of tax deduction

3. the act or an instance of depreciating or belittling; disparagement

4. a decrease in the exchange value of currency against gold or other currencies brought about by excess supply of that currency under conditions of fluctuating exchange rates Compare devaluation

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depreciation Cultural  

1. A decline over time in the value of a tangible asset, such as a house or car.

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Other Word Forms

• nondepreciation noun
• predepreciation noun
• redepreciation noun
• underdepreciation noun

Etymology

Origin of depreciation

An Americanism dating back to 1730–40; depreciate + -ion

Example Sentences

In February, it reported an adjusted loss before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization of $101 million for last year, and it forecast an adjusted loss of as much as $27 million for the current quarter.

From MarketWatch

Plaid also said it turned a full-year profit on an adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization basis.

From The Wall Street Journal

“These factors, alongside portfolio capital outflows, have contributed to depreciation pressures on the Indian rupee, necessitating calibrated policy responses,” according to the report.

From The Wall Street Journal

Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization—one of the company’s preferred metrics—rose to 4.57 billion zloty from 4.10 billion zloty.

From The Wall Street Journal

Adjusted operating earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization were roughly unchanged at 3.02 billion euros.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• deflation
• reduction
• slump