Devaluing: meaning, definitions and examples

Primarily used in economic or financial contexts to describe lowering the value of a currency. It's deliberate and often performed by governments.

• The government is devaluing the national currency to boost exports.
• Devaluing the currency can lead to inflation.

Commonly used in finance and accounting to refer to the reduction in value of assets over time.

• Cars depreciate in value the moment they are driven off the lot.
• The company had to account for the depreciation of their equipment.

Used when discussing lowering the quality or value of something, often in a moral or social sense. Has a negative connotation.

• Adding too many fillers can debase the quality of the product.
• The scandal served to debase the reputation of the institution.