Word
depreciation
Phoneticsde·pre·ci·a·tion, stress on the fourth syllable
US/dɪˌpɹiʃiˈeɪʃən/
UK/dɪpɹˌiːʃɪˈeɪʃən/
Definitions
01loss of value over time
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. the way something loses value as it gets older and is used, like a car or a computer.
n. the gradual decrease in the economic value of an asset due to wear and tear, age, or obsolescence.
“The value of a new car suffers from rapid depreciation as soon as you drive it home.”
“The company accounted for the depreciation of its manufacturing equipment over a ten-year period to reflect its diminishing utility.”
Usage
Uncountable when referring to the general process; countable when referring to a specific calculated amount.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02accounting method
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Accounting Technical
n. a way for businesses to spread the cost of an expensive item over many years.
n. the systematic allocation of the cost of a tangible asset over its useful life.
“The accountant calculated the annual depreciation to help lower the company's tax bill.”
“Straight-line depreciation remains the most common method for distributing the cost of office furniture across several fiscal years.”
Usage
Often used with the verbs 'calculate', 'record', or 'allow for'.
Teaching tip
In technical accounting, distinguish this from 'impairment', which refers to a sudden, unexpected drop in value.
Synonyms
03disparagement
C2 · Proficiency Uncountable noun Formal · Literary
n. the act of saying that something is not important or has little value.
n. the act of belittling or representing something as being of little worth.
“His constant depreciation of my hard work made me want to quit the project.”
“The critic's depreciation of the novel's structure seemed unfair given the experimental nature of the prose.”
Teaching tip
This sense is much rarer than the financial one and is typically found in formal writing or older literature.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“The Iranian currency was under renewed pressure on Monday and the inflationary impact of its rapid depreciation is causing growing concern to MPs.” “Iranians are facing runaway food inflation, closed petrol stations and a seemingly never-ending depreciation of the nation’s currency caused by a lack of foreign exchange reserves.” Etymology
From French dépréciation.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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