Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Synonyms

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.


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.

Keep Reading on Vocabulary.com

Vocabulary lists containing deregulation

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Second, banking deregulation in the U.S. is unlocking fresh, additional lending capacity with estimates as high as $2.6 trillion circulated by research firm Alvarez & Marsal.

From MarketWatch • May 8, 2026

But there are far more airline flights, with more destinations served, at lower prices in real terms, than before deregulation.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 7, 2026

Storey offers a second positive argument for pharma and biotech, noting they could benefit from deregulation and an improved environment for initial public offerings External link and mergers and acquisitions.

From Barron's • May 6, 2026

The procedure once occurred every three years, but deregulation efforts have extended that period to the current span of eight years.

From Los Angeles Times • May 5, 2026

The Samoan   Government has called for deregulation of the financial sector,   encouragement of investment, and continued fiscal discipline, while   at the same time protecting the environment.

From The 2008 CIA World Factbook by United States. Central Intelligence Agency

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Look it up. Learn it forever.

Remember "deregulation" for good with VocabTrainer. Expand your vocabulary effortlessly with personalized learning tools that adapt to your goals.

Take me to Vocabulary.com