Word
devalue
Phoneticsde·val·ue, stress on the second syllable
US/dɪˈvæɫˌju/
UK/diːvˈæljuː/
Definition
v. to make something worth less, in money or in importance. You use it when a government lowers its currency value, or when actions make people's work feel less respected.
v. to lower the value, importance, or official exchange rate of something. Covers both formal currency action by a government and a general loss of worth or respect.
Examples
“They devalue old phones when new models arrive.”
“The company feared that constant discounts would devalue its luxury brand in the eyes of customers.”
“When governments devalue their currency to boost exports, the short-term trade advantage often comes at the cost of higher import prices and eroded public confidence.”
Examples
simple
“They devalue old phones when new models arrive.”
contextual
“The company feared that constant discounts would devalue its luxury brand in the eyes of customers.”
complex
“When governments devalue their currency to boost exports, the short-term trade advantage often comes at the cost of higher import prices and eroded public confidence.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “devalue” in context.
Verb
01. decide to devalue
“In 1994 Mexico decided to devalue the peso during the crisis.”
verb + to + verb
02. devalue contribution
“Such comments devalue the contribution of volunteers.”
verb + noun
03. devalue currency
“Many fear that printing extra money will devalue the currency.”
verb + noun
04. devalue degree
“Critics argue that too many graduates devalue a university degree.”
verb + noun
05. devalue work
“Low pay can devalue the hard work of nurses.”
verb + noun
Adjective
06. deliberately devalue
“Critics claim the company deliberately devalues overtime work.”
adv + verb
07. effectively devalue
“Inflation has effectively devalued people's savings over five years.”
adv + verb
Noun
08. devalue against dollar
“The yuan was devalued against the dollar to help exporters.”
verb + prep + noun
09. devalue by percent
“The currency was devalued by 20 percent overnight.”
verb + prep + noun
10. devalue a university degree
“Some employers claim grade inflation devalues a university degree.”
11. devalue the work of nurses
“Poor pay devalues the work of nurses and teachers.”
12. effectively devalue savings
“High inflation will effectively devalue savings in just a few years.”
Usage
The verb is transitive and takes a direct object.
Real-World Examples
“The central bank has struggled to keep the naira within its preferred band even after devaluing the currency by 8 percent on Tuesday in a bid to halt a slide in Nigeria's foreign reserves.” “Instead, we find ways to devalue the task at which we failed, meaning that we may be less motivated to persevere and reach our goal.” Etymology
From de- + value.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
Related words
- 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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