devolution

American  

[dev-uh-loo-shuhn, dee-vuh-] / ˌdɛv əˈlu ʃən, ˈdi və- /

noun

• devolutions
  plural

1. the act or fact of devolving; passage onward from stage to stage.

2. the passing on to a successor of an unexercised right.

3. Law. the passing of property from one to another, as by hereditary succession.

4. Biology. degeneration.

5. the transfer of power or authority from a central government to a local government.

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devolution British  

/ ˌdiːvəˈluːʃən /

noun

1. the act, fact, or result of devolving

2. a passing onwards or downwards from one stage to another

3. another word for degeneration

4. a transfer or allocation of authority, esp from a central government to regional governments or particular interests

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• devolutionist
  noun
• devolutionary
  adjective

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• devolutions
  plural

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Etymology

Origin of devolution

1535–45; (< Middle French ) < Medieval Latin dēvolūtiōn- (stem of dēvolūtiō ) a rolling down, equivalent to Latin dēvolūt ( us ) rolled down (past participle of dēvolvere; see devolve) + -iōn- -ion

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Explanation

Devolution is a process of decline. Something has gone from great to good, good to bad, or excellent all the way to horrible. If you know that evolution refers to how smaller or lesser creatures evolved into more complex beings, then you have a great clue to what devolution means. When devolution occurs, things have gone in a negative direction. If a rich person loses all their money, that's devolution. If a championship basketball team suddenly has a losing record, that's devolution. This word also refers to a central government delegating authority to a smaller body, such as a regional government.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

devolution devolutions

But critics of fiscal devolution raise concerns about local capability, and inequalities between areas.

From BBC ● Oct. 30, 2026

Speaking after the first National Economic Council for the nations in Glasgow, Burnham highlighted plans for devolution at the regional level, saying he wanted to ensure no nation was "left behind".

From BBC ● Oct. 30, 2026

In his Budget, Chancellor John Healey unveiled plans to allow mayors to keep some cash from income tax and business rates collected locally, describing it as "the most radical act of devolution in a generation".

From BBC ● Oct. 30, 2026

On devolution, the plan to allow local mayors to keep some extra business rate and income tax revenues, are more radical than expected.

From BBC ● Oct. 29, 2026

The late Duke of Devonshire expressed, for so cautious a man, pretty strong views on the imperfections of “Castle Government” and on the advantages of devolution.

From The New Irish Constitution by J. H. Morgan

It did, however, mean an increasing pressure on the government for fresh devolutions of authority.

From The New World of Islam by Lothrop Stoddard

"Oh," said Mrs. Germain, absorbed by the devolutions of the tale.

From Rest Harrow A Comedy of Resolution by Maurice Henry Hewlett

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Related Words

• deterioration
• downturn
• drop
• failure
• fall
• recession
• slump
• weakening

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