diminution

noun

dim·i·nu·tion ˌdi-mə-ˈnü-shən

also -ˈnyü-

: the act, process, or an instance of becoming gradually less (as in size or importance) : the act, process, or an instance of diminishing : decrease

a diminution in value

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We find written evidence for diminution going back to the 14th century, including use in Geoffrey Chaucer's Middle English poetical work Troilus and Criseyde. Chaucer used "maken dyminucion" ("make diminution") in contrast to the verb "encrece" ("increase"). Diminution came to English by way of Anglo-French from Latin. Its Latin ancestor deminuere ("to diminish") is also an ancestor of the English verb diminish, which entered the language in the 15th century, and the related diminishment, a synonym of diminution that English speakers have been using since the 16th century.

Examples of diminution in a Sentence

a diminution of 60 percent over the course of the month

Recent Examples on the Web Authentic liberals and conservatives should not deplore the Supreme Court’s long-overdue diminution of juristocracy and the imperial presidency. —

George Liebmann, Baltimore Sun, 21 July 2024 Despite the potential for losing some ground to the political circus, a diminution of interest in the NFL’s premium inventory would require a ratings downturn of near-historic proportions. —

Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 19 July 2024 This is what the political right has wanted to see for some time — a diminution of the power of the federal bureaucracy in favor of being able to pay lots of money to lawyers to try to win a case in court. —

Philip Bump, Washington Post, 15 July 2024 Does Biden’s poor performance in one presidential debate truly warrant the Democratic Party’s self-mutilation, even when there are no substantive facts to prove a diminution in the president’s health and cognitive abilities? —

Michelle Etlin, Baltimore Sun, 9 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for diminution

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'diminution.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English diminucioun, from Anglo-French diminutiun, from Medieval Latin diminution-, diminutio, alteration of Latin deminution-, deminutio, from deminuere "to lessen" — more at diminish

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of diminution was in the 14th century

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Style

“Diminution.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diminution. Accessed 18 Aug. 2024.

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Kids Definition

diminution

noun

dim·i·nu·tion ˌdim-ə-ˈn(y)ü-shən

: the act, process, or an instance of diminishing : decrease

Legal Definition

diminution

noun

dim·i·nu·tion ˌdi-mə-ˈnü-shən, -ˈnyü-

: the act, process, or an instance of making less

diminution of access to health care—

U.S. Code

Last Updated: 29 Jul 2024 - Updated example sentences

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diminution

noun

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Synonyms

Examples of diminution in a Sentence

Word History

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Dictionary Entries Near diminution

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Kids Definition

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