decentralization

noun

de·​cen·​tral·​i·​za·​tion (ˌ)dē-ˌsen-trə-lə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce decentralization (audio)
1
: the dispersion or distribution of functions and powers
a decentralization of powers
specifically, government : the delegation of power from a central authority to regional and local authorities
the decentralization of the state's public school system
government decentralization
2
sociology : the redistribution of population and industry from urban centers to outlying areas
decentralize verb

Examples of decentralization in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The rules should permit and encourage decentralization, not default to centralization as corporate entities do. Chris Dixon, Fortune, 10 Mar. 2024 The results of British decentralization have been at best uneven, and at worst harmful. Andrew Moravcsik, Foreign Affairs, 20 Feb. 2024 This made war suited, in theory, to a businesslike model of decentralization and outsourcing, which would confer the benefits of speed, flexibility, and low cost. Elizabeth Barber, Harper's Magazine, 2 Feb. 2024 Feldstein believes that this would instead hasten decentralization and increase opportunities for boutique firms to fill in the gap. Vas Panagiotopoulos, WIRED, 24 Jan. 2024 Policy is part of a Pacto Federal drive towards decentralization, one of president Lula’s passions. John Hopewell, Variety, 28 Nov. 2023 In the middle of restless regulators, skeptical investors, and die-hard decentralization purists, new projects are emerging that aim to find a middle ground. Victoria Chynoweth, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2024 The decentralization also made the axis more useful to Moscow by making the network more resilient—and therefore dangerous for Washington. Hamidreza Azizi, Foreign Affairs, 14 Feb. 2024 If decentralization and interoperability become foundational to the next generation of online experiences, Meta is determined to prevail as at least one part of the sprawling conversation about autonomy and freedom of choice. Reece Rogers, WIRED, 2 Feb. 2024

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

Word History

First Known Use

1846, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of decentralization was in 1846

Dictionary Entries Near decentralization

Cite this Entry

“Decentralization.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/decentralization. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

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