devolution
noun
de·vo·lu·tion ˌde-və-ˈlü-shən 
also ˌdē-və-
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
devolutionary
ˌde-və-ˈlü-shə-ˌner-ē
adjective also ˌdē-və-
devolutionist
ˌde-və-ˈlü-sh(ə-)nist
noun also ˌdē-və-
Synonyms
- decadence
- declension
- declination
- decline
- degeneracy
- degeneration
- degradation
- dégringolade
- descent
- deterioration
- downfall
- downgrade
- ebb
- eclipse
- fall
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
the gradual devolution of the neighborhood from a thriving community of close-knit families to a drug-ridden slum
Recent Examples on the Web This devolution of our attempt to be the Greatest Country in the World has been weighty on my usually buoyant hope. 
Marina Gomberg, The Salt Lake Tribune, 30 May 2022 The Afro-American Big Grrrls phenotypes are derived from the white radical feminist concept Riot Grrrls, perfectly linked to the dubious approval of Biden liberals, thus a cultural devolution. Armond White, National Review, 29 June 2022 Still, Cronenberg isn’t too worried about making definitive statements on mankind’s devolution. David Sims, The Atlantic, 2 June 2022 No story is imposed on this gradual evolution (or devolution, perhaps). Sam Sacks, WSJ, 29 Apr. 2022 Entering its final season, Better Call Saul had much to unpack about Jimmy's concerning devolution, Kim's alarming new scheme, and Lalo's frightening revenge mission. Dan Snierson, EW.com, 19 Apr. 2022 Much of Season 4, the strongest in the series, quietly traced the painful devolution of their trust. The New Yorker, 22 Nov. 2021 But questioning a person’s religious claims will rarely come across as respectful, and the devolution of religion in America has turned everyone into their own religious authority. Ira Bedzow, Forbes, 11 Oct. 2021 The podcast — part true crime, part historical fiction — covers Lennon’s ties with political revolutionaries, the devolution of his relationship with Paul McCartney and his assassination at the age of 40. Todd Spangler, Variety, 16 Aug. 2021 See More
Marina Gomberg, The Salt Lake Tribune, 30 May 2022 The Afro-American Big Grrrls phenotypes are derived from the white radical feminist concept Riot Grrrls, perfectly linked to the dubious approval of Biden liberals, thus a cultural devolution. Armond White, National Review, 29 June 2022 Still, Cronenberg isn’t too worried about making definitive statements on mankind’s devolution. David Sims, The Atlantic, 2 June 2022 No story is imposed on this gradual evolution (or devolution, perhaps). Sam Sacks, WSJ, 29 Apr. 2022 Entering its final season, Better Call Saul had much to unpack about Jimmy's concerning devolution, Kim's alarming new scheme, and Lalo's frightening revenge mission. Dan Snierson, EW.com, 19 Apr. 2022 Much of Season 4, the strongest in the series, quietly traced the painful devolution of their trust. The New Yorker, 22 Nov. 2021 But questioning a person’s religious claims will rarely come across as respectful, and the devolution of religion in America has turned everyone into their own religious authority. Ira Bedzow, Forbes, 11 Oct. 2021 The podcast — part true crime, part historical fiction — covers Lennon’s ties with political revolutionaries, the devolution of his relationship with Paul McCartney and his assassination at the age of 40. Todd Spangler, Variety, 16 Aug. 2021 See More Word History
Etymology
borrowed from Medieval Latin dēvolūtiōn-, dēvolūtiō "passage of time, passing down of a task, transference of legal proceedings," from Latin dēvolū-, variant stem of dēvolvere "to roll (something) down, (in passive voice) sink or fall back, become subject to, be passed down to (an heir)" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at devolve
First Known Use
1545, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Legal Definition
devolution
noun
de·vo·lu·tion ˌde-və-ˈlü-shən, ˌdē-
: the transfer (as of rights, powers, property, or responsibility) to another
devolution
noun
as in deterioration
a change to a lower state or level the gradual devolution of the neighborhood from a thriving community of close-knit families to a drug-ridden slum Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- deterioration
- decline
- degradation
- declination
- descent
- degeneration
- decadence
- downfall
- destruction
- reduction
- degeneracy
- ebb
- dissolution
- decrease
- eclipse
- fall
- disintegration
- decay
- declension
- downgrade
- decomposition
- breakup
- dégringolade
- drop
- loss
- dark age
- depreciation
- sunset
- debasement
- crumbling
- shrinkage
- diminution
- rotting
- nadir
- ruination
- spoiling
- demolition
- decimation
- slump
- abasement
- dip
- diminishment
- downturn
- deflation
- havoc
- lowering
- lessening
- abatement
- downslide
- demolishment
- ruin
- falloff
- desolation
- sag
- decrement
- downtrend
- de-escalation
- slip
- drop-off
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- evolution
- development
- growth
- rise
- advancement
- ascent
- restoration
- flowering
- renewal
- upswing
- revitalization
- increase
- enhancement
- gain
- addition
- increment
- blossoming
- flourishing
- supplement
- raise
- accretion
- boost
- accrual
- augmentation
- addendum
- heightening