Synonyms

devalue

American

[dee-val-yoo] / diˈvæl yu /

verb (used with object)

devalued, devaluing

to deprive of value; reduce the value of.
to fix a lower value on (a currency).

verb (used without object)

devalued, devaluing

to undergo devaluation.

The currency has devalued at a rapid rate.

devalue British

/ diːˈvæljuː, diːˈvæljuːˌeɪt /

verb

to reduce (a currency) or (of a currency) be reduced in exchange value
(tr) to reduce the value or worth of (something)

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of devalue

First recorded in 1915–20; de- + value

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.

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

Many Ghanaians responded positively to Ablakwa's post, but some accused the government of "devaluing" the country's passport by handing them to foreign celebrities.

From BBC

Among those surveyed was a Bolton head teacher who said arts subjects had been "systematically devalued" by the curriculum, which had contributed to some students hating school and committing truancy.

From BBC

"It was quite a scary time. It totally devalues you as a human being."

From BBC

No one, especially not your second husband of three years, gets to devalue or judge your relationship with your kids.

From MarketWatch

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023