devalued

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "devalued" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used as a verb to mean to lessen or reduce the worth or perceived value of something. For example, "The decision to raise tuition rates devalued the value of a degree from that university."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In March 1995 the central bank devalued the currency, the forint, by 9% and introduced a "crawling peg" devaluation which continues to trim the forint by a monthly 1.2%.Hungary had then what the Czechs now lack: a finance minister, Lajos Bokros, hell-bent on austerity.

The Economist

But two teams I don't follow in the now somewhat devalued FA cup?

The Guardian

The authorities lacked the political will to give domestic workers the same rights as other migrant workers because their work was devalued, she added.

The Guardian

Who exactly will make up the committee is yet to be announced, but it is vital, as the Guardian points out, that male MPs are included too: The new institution risks being devalued if it is too easily dismissed as an all-women enclave complaining about a man's world from the sidelines.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But what she and McQueen were interested in was how the "currency of romance" has been devalued by the internet, where "sex has become a phenomenal industry".

The Guardian

Or love of the language and its literature (and, if so, is that devalued by a more internationalist attitude to art forms that don't bump up against the English incapacity to speak foreign languages)?

The Guardian - Opinion

For example, Philip Morris International is now suing Uruguay in a World Bank tribunal with claims that mandatory warnings on packages devalued its trademark.

The Guardian

Martin Callanan, the Tories' leader in the European parliament, said: "The Nobel peace prize was devalued when it was given to newly elected Barack Obama.

The Guardian

But remember, we kept our drachma and it has already been devalued (thanks goodness), so that is one less option.

The Guardian

Higher education has been made more accessible, but in a way that doesn't fundamentally disturb the existing class order – the twisted logic is that postgraduate degrees have to be regulated, otherwise too many people will have them and they will become devalued.

The Guardian - Opinion

The National Bank devalued the currency by 19% in February.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "devalued" when you want to emphasize a loss of worth or importance, whether it's monetary, emotional, or symbolic.

Common error

While both terms relate to reducing value, "devalued" is generally used in broader contexts, whereas "devaluated" is more specifically associated with currency manipulation by a government. Stick to "devalued" unless referring explicitly to currency devaluation by governing bodies.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "devalued" is as the past participle or past tense of the verb devalue. As a verb, it signifies a reduction in worth, importance, or quality. Ludwig's examples confirm this usage, showing "devalued" describing currencies, brands, and even abstract concepts like romance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "devalued" functions primarily as the past tense or past participle of the verb "devalue", indicating a reduction in worth or importance. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, notably in News & Media and Formal & Business settings. The word's versatility allows it to describe both tangible assets, like currency, and intangible concepts, such as a brand's reputation. While often carrying a negative connotation, its neutrality depends on the specific context. Employing synonyms like "diminished in value" or "decreased in significance" can provide alternative phrasing, while distinguishing it from "devaluated" clarifies its usage in currency-related discussions. Be mindful of its function in your writing, ensuring it accurately reflects the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Depreciated

Specifically relates to a decrease in the value of an asset over time.

Diminished in value

Emphasizes a reduction in monetary or perceived worth.

Lessened in importance

Indicates a reduction in the degree of significance or consequence.

Decreased in significance

Highlights a lessening of importance or relevance.

Reduced in stature

Emphasizes the lowering of reputation or perceived importance.

Underestimated

Focuses on a failure to appreciate the true worth or potential.

Discounted

Suggests a reduction in price or importance, often intentionally.

Degraded

Highlights a decline in quality or condition as a result of devaluation.

Watered down

Implies a weakening of something, often through dilution or compromise.

Compromised

Focuses on the negative impact of devaluing on a system or process's integrity.

FAQs

How can I use "devalued" in a sentence?

You can use "devalued" to describe the lessening of worth or importance of something. For example, "The constant criticism devalued her confidence" or "The government "devaluated" the national currency to boost exports".

What's the difference between "devalued" and "undervalued"?

"Devalued" means that something's worth has been reduced, while "undervalued" means that something's true worth is not fully appreciated or recognized. A currency can be "devaluated", while an employee might feel "underrated".

What are some synonyms for "devalued"?

Depending on the context, you can use synonyms like "diminished in value", "decreased in significance", or "underestimated". Choose the synonym that best fits the nuance you want to convey.

Is it always negative to say something has been "devalued"?

While "devalued" often carries a negative connotation, it can be neutral depending on the context. For instance, saying "The old system was devalued to make way for a new one" simply describes a change in status, not necessarily a negative outcome.