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Showing results for deregulation. Search instead for reregulating.
Synonyms

deregulation

American  
[dee-reg-yuh-ley-shuhn] / diˌrɛg jəˈleɪ 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.

See Examples For:

Mitchell was also named the president of the group, which was promising to “focus on policy areas like taxation, economic development incentives, deregulation and zoning at the state and local level.”

From Salon Jul. 9, 2026

COGE’s deregulation and government efficiency agenda is promising.

From The Wall Street Journal Jul. 8, 2026

He says transport is a good example as Greater Manchester was the first area in England, outside of Greater London, to have local control of its bus network since deregulation in the 1980s.

From BBC Jul. 5, 2026

“He got in the driver’s seat when the deregulation trend was incipient. He was a champion of deregulating the financial industry.”

From Los Angeles Times Jun. 22, 2026

To   combat the economic crisis, the government embarked on a path of   trade liberalization, deregulation, and privatization.

From The 2001 CIA World Factbook by United States. Central Intelligence Agency

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