dilution

C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Finance Technical · Academic

n. when a company issues new shares, making the existing shares worth a smaller percentage of the company.

n. a reduction in the ownership percentage of existing shareholders caused by the issuance of new equity.

“Investors were worried about the dilution of their stock after the new funding round.”

“The board of directors must weigh the benefits of raising capital against the inevitable dilution of voting power for current stakeholders.”

C2 · Proficiency Uncountable noun Law Technical · Formal

n. the weakening of a famous brand's reputation because other people are using similar names.

n. the unauthorized use of a mark that is likely to impair the distinctiveness or harm the reputation of a famous trademark.

“The luxury brand sued the small shop to prevent the dilution of its famous name.”

“Trademark dilution laws protect famous brands even when there is no direct competition or immediate likelihood of consumer confusion.”

C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Academic

n. the act of making something less effective or pure by adding different elements to it.

n. the reduction of the strength, purity, or effectiveness of something through the introduction of outside elements.

“Some members feared that allowing outsiders would lead to a dilution of the club's values.”

“The original message of the movement suffered significant dilution as it attempted to appeal to a broader, more moderate audience.”