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devolution

noun
de·​vo·​lu·​tion | \ ËŒde-vÉ™-ˈlü-shÉ™n How to pronounce devolution (audio) also ËŒdÄ“-vÉ™-\

Definition of devolution

1 : transference (as of rights, powers, property, or responsibility) to another especially : the surrender of powers to local authorities by a central government
2 : retrograde (see retrograde entry 1 sense 2) evolution : degeneration
Other Words from devolution Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Learn More about devolution

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Other Words from devolution

devolutionary \ ËŒde-​vÉ™-​ˈlü-​shÉ™-​ËŒner-​Ä“ How to pronounce devolutionary (audio) also  ËŒdÄ“-​vÉ™-​ \ adjective
devolutionist \ ËŒde-​vÉ™-​ˈlü-​sh(É™-​)nist How to pronounce devolutionist (audio) also  ËŒdÄ“-​vÉ™-​ \ noun

Examples of devolution in a Sentence

the gradual devolution of the neighborhood from a thriving community of close-knit families to a drug-ridden slum

Recent Examples on the Web

 With devolution now in its 20th year, much has changed in the UK’s internal architecture. — Gareth Evans, Quartz, "The UK’s next prime minister must urgently answer five constitutional questions," 28 June 2019 Over the last two decades, England has failed to receive a level of devolution comparable to the rest of the UK. — Gareth Evans, Quartz, "The UK’s next prime minister must urgently answer five constitutional questions," 28 June 2019 The various contributors also tackle issues that Conservatives have shied away from, such as the importance of devolution. — The Economist, "On Britain beyond Brexit and the future of Conservatism," 18 June 2019 Even in this context, Seattle’s devolution is odd for two reasons. — Andrew Beaton, WSJ, "Oh, So Now the Seahawks Want to Run the Ball," 14 Dec. 2018 This should involve power-sharing in Damascus, and the devolution of power to the provinces. — The Economist, "Syrian refugees could turn into the new Palestinians," 30 June 2018 This governance model failure is the real story underpinning the GE devolution. — Thomas Gryta And Ted Mann, WSJ, "Readers React to WSJ’s Article on GE’s Decline," 17 Dec. 2018 Such were the devolutions and betrayals in those days, and retrogressions to the ways of shame. — Lance Morrow, WSJ, "The Book of Donald," 4 Oct. 2018 Elsewhere Kevin Roose wades through tweets and Facebook posts to chart the alleged mail bomber’s devolution into a fringe conspiracy theorist and terrorist. — Casey Newton, The Verge, "Why social media is friend to far-right politicians around the world," 30 Oct. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'devolution.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of devolution

1545, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for devolution

Medieval Latin devolution-, devolutio, from Latin devolvere — see devolve

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More Definitions for devolution

devolution

noun
How to pronounce devolution (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of devolution

: the act or process by which a central government gives power, property, etc., to local groups or governments

See the full definition for devolution in the English Language Learners Dictionary

devolution

noun
de·​vo·​lu·​tion | \ ËŒde-vÉ™-ˈlü-shÉ™n, ËŒdÄ“- How to pronounce devolution (audio) \

Legal Definition of devolution

: the transfer (as of rights, powers, property, or responsibility) to another

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More from Merriam-Webster on devolution

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for devolution

Nglish: Translation of devolution for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about devolution

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