Word
deregulation
Phoneticsdereg·u·la·tion
US/diˌɹɛɡjəˈɫeɪʃən/
UK/diːɹˌɛɡjuːlˈeɪʃən/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. the act of removing government rules and controls from a business or industry. This is usually done to help companies compete more easily.
n. the reduction or elimination of government power in a particular industry, usually enacted to create more competition within the economy. Often associated with neoliberal economic policy.
Examples
“The deregulation of the airline industry led to lower ticket prices.”
“Economists argue whether the deregulation of the banking sector contributed to the recent financial crisis.”
“Proponents of deregulation claim that removing bureaucratic hurdles fosters innovation, while critics warn that it can lead to a lack of oversight and consumer exploitation.”
Examples
simple
“The deregulation of the airline industry led to lower ticket prices.”
contextual
“Economists argue whether the deregulation of the banking sector contributed to the recent financial crisis.”
complex
“Proponents of deregulation claim that removing bureaucratic hurdles fosters innovation, while critics warn that it can lead to a lack of oversight and consumer exploitation.”
Usage
Often used in political and economic contexts. It frequently appears in the phrase 'the deregulation of' followed by a specific industry.
Real-World Examples
“This became the ideology of neoliberalism, which advocated a smaller state, industry deregulation, tax cuts, strengthened defence, and roll-back of social engineering.” “US calls for deregulation of AI at a G20 ministerial meeting, emphasising industry growth over regulatory constraints.” Etymology
From de- + regulation.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- 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
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/deregulation