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Showing results for deregulation. Search instead for re-regulation.
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.

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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.

During the era of deregulation, I was on the staff of the Civil Aeronautics Board, which regulated airline routes and prices until 1978.

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 pattern is older than this market, and we have lived through it before, in the savings-and-loan deregulation of the 1980s and again in the years leading up to 2008.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 22, 2026

I urge the new Administration to continue our efforts on behalf of deregulation legislation for the intercity passenger bus industry as well.

From State of the Union Address by Carter, Jimmy

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