decentralized

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "decentralized" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a system or network that is organized with different parts at different locations, which all work independently without relying on a central power or authority. For example, “The government is implementing a new decentralized system for distributing aid to remote villages.”.

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The religion is highly distributed and decentralized, held together by its beliefs.

The Economist

And as debt replaced equity for much of business financing, in significant part as a result of the high costs of SOX, and business financing was mixed with mortgage debt in innovations such as asset-backed commercial paper, new risks emerged.With the multiple players involved in mortgage woes, the current crisis may seem at first appearance a failure of decentralized risk management.

The Economist

And that is as an item that a market, free of distortion from government regulations and subsidies, will produce at an optimum level due to forces of supply and demand.My boss, the president of the Competitive Enterprise Institute, Fred L. Smith, has made the distinction between risk management that is "hierarchic and political" and that which is "decentralized and competitive".

The Economist

Manufacturing decentralized early and extensively.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Ecuador's government has become increasingly decentralized.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Policing, however, remains decentralized.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Both are settled cultivators, but, while Nupe society is hierarchical, that of the Tiv tends to be decentralized.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Still, the view favouring decentralized institutions, industrial self-governance, and free enterprise has kept industrial relations focused at the level of the firm.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Throughout the 1980s, when industry became more decentralized, the bulk of Slovenes still commuted to work.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Originally highly decentralized, electrical production was slowly centralized under state control during the latter half of the 20th century.

Encyclopedia Britannica

For example, police organizations in the United Kingdom including about 50 regional police forces in England, Scotland, and Wales are generally considered decentralized, but when compared with the tens of thousands of police forces in the United States, they appear fairly centralized.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing organizational structures, clearly specify which aspects are "decentralized" to avoid ambiguity. For example, state that decision-making is decentralized, while resource allocation remains centralized.

Common error

Don't assume that a "decentralized" system is inherently more efficient or democratic. Analyze the specific context and consider potential drawbacks, such as lack of coordination or inconsistent standards.

Linguistic Context

The word "decentralized" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe systems, organizations, or processes where authority or control is distributed rather than centrally located. Ludwig confirms its common usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

30%

Science

25%

News & Media

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

15%

Reference

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "decentralized" is widely used to describe systems or entities with distributed power or control, as affirmed by Ludwig. Its grammatical correctness and versatile application across diverse contexts, including encyclopedias, news media, and scientific publications, make it a valuable term. Related terms include "distributed", "devolved", and "localized", offering nuanced ways to express similar concepts. When using "decentralized", clarity is key; specify which aspects are decentralized to avoid ambiguity. Overall, understanding the meaning and proper application of "decentralized" enhances effective communication and analysis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

non-centralized

Directly negates the concept of centralization, emphasizing the lack of a central authority.

distributed

Emphasizes the spreading of something across a wider area or among many people.

devolved

Highlights the transfer of power or authority to a lower level.

delegated

Focuses on entrusting a task or responsibility to someone else.

disaggregated

Implies breaking down a larger entity into smaller, independent components.

localized

Highlights the concentration of power or activity at a local level.

federalized

Refers to a system where power is divided between a central authority and regional units.

autonomous

Emphasizes self-governance and independence from central control.

scattered

Highlights a lack of concentration or organization.

diffused

Suggests a spreading out or weakening of power or influence.

FAQs

How can I use "decentralized" in a sentence?

You can use "decentralized" to describe systems or organizations where power or control is distributed, rather than concentrated in a central authority. For example, "The company adopted a "decentralized management structure" to empower local teams."

What are some alternatives to saying "decentralized"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "distributed", "devolved", or "localized" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "highly decentralized"?

Yes, "highly decentralized" is a correct and commonly used phrase to emphasize a significant degree of decentralization. The Ludwig examples show frequent use in various contexts.

What is the difference between "decentralized" and "distributed"?

"Decentralized" often refers to power or authority, while "distributed" can refer to physical resources or information. Although similar, "decentralized" often carries implications of autonomy, while "distributed" is more about location and access.