devalue

American  

[dee-val-yoo] / diˈvæl yu /

verb (used with object)

devalued, devaluing

1. to deprive of value; reduce the value of.

2. to fix a lower value on (a currency).

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verb (used without object)

devalued, devaluing

1. to undergo devaluation.

   The currency has devalued at a rapid rate.

devalue British  

/ diːˈvæljuː, diːˈvæljuːˌeɪt /

verb

1. to reduce (a currency) or (of a currency) be reduced in exchange value

2. (tr) to reduce the value or worth of (something)

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Etymology

Origin of devalue

First recorded in 1915–20; de- + value

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."

Example Sentences

“I don’t want to devalue our core offering.”

From MarketWatch • Feb. 11, 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

Inflation is down from 200 percent to 31 percent -- although it is likely to rise again, if the peso is allowed to devalue as markets expect.

From Barron's • Oct. 24, 2025

In addition, Malawi has been forced to devalue its currency and was recently crippled by fuel shortages and nationwide power outages.

From BBC • Sep. 15, 2025

If pennies become worthless, does that devalue our thoughts to less than nothing?

From "Challenger Deep" by Neal Shusterman

Related Words

• decrease
• devaluate
• lower
• revalue
• undervalue