devalue
Americanverb (used with object)
verb (used without object)
verb
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to reduce (a currency) or (of a currency) be reduced in exchange value
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(tr) to reduce the value or worth of (something)
Other Word Forms
Conjugated Forms
Present
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has devaluedperfect 3rd person singular
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have devaluedperfect
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are devaluingprogressive
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am devaluingprogressive 1st person singular
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have been devaluingperfect progressive
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devaluingparticiple
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has been devaluingperfect progressive 3rd person singular
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is devaluingprogressive 3rd person singular
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devaluessingular 3rd person
Past
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had devaluedperfect
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was devaluingprogressive singular
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devaluedsimple
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devaluedparticiple
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were devaluingprogressive plural
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had been devaluingperfect progressive
Future
Etymology
Origin of devalue
Explanation
When you make something less valuable or less important, you devalue it. You might devalue your car by spray painting it black and letting your dog chew the upholstery. Economists and business reporters often use the verb devalue when they talk about the currency — or money — of different countries, and what it's worth in comparison to other currencies. Sometimes countries will devalue their currency, for example, to get more people to buy their exported products. But you can also devalue a relationship by neglecting it, or devalue a diamond ring by chipping it. Devaluation came before devalue, with a Latin root of valere, "be strong or be of value."
Vocabulary lists containing devalue
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.
Concerns that AI might devalue cyber companies triggered a broad selloff in cyber stock prices earlier this year.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026
If Washington and Tokyo were to team up to devalue the dollar and prop up the yen, there could be benefits for both sides.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 29, 2026
The company might choose to devalue points, raise fees or make it difficult to leave the program.
From MarketWatch • Dec. 16, 2025
“The government would like to increase competitiveness rather than devalue the currency.”
From Barron's • Oct. 28, 2025
When France needed to devalue its currency, for example, they told the IMF in advance.
From "The Woman All Spies Fear" by Amy Butler Greenfield
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
