# dilution

/daɪˈɫuʃən/ (US) · /daɪlˈuːʃən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/dilution
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. making a liquid weaker

noun · CEFR B2 · Technical

the process of adding more liquid, like water, to a mixture to make it weaker or less concentrated.

For teachers: the process of reducing the concentration of a solute in a solution, usually by adding more solvent.

- The recipe requires a two-to-one dilution of the juice with sparkling water.
- Precise dilution is critical in laboratory settings, as even a minor calculation error can invalidate the entire chemical analysis.

### 2. finance/shares

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical · Academic

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

For teachers: 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.

### 3. trademarks

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical · Formal

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

For teachers: 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.

### 4. weakening an idea or group

noun · CEFR C1 · Academic

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

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The new stock issue caused a dilution of existing shares.
- Investors were concerned about the potential dilution of their holdings after the company announced a massive new round of funding.
- While the capital injection was necessary for expansion, the resulting dilution left the original founders with significantly less voting power than they had initially anticipated.

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