Depreciation — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /di-ˌprē-shē-ˈā-shən/

Meaning & Definition of Depreciation

Depreciation (noun)

  1. the act of making a person or thing seem less valuable, the act of depreciating
  2. a decrease in the value of something (as due to deterioration or obsolescence); specifically, a decrease in the value of property (such as machinery) for the purpose of taxation that is carried as a yearly charge amortizing the original cost over the useful life of the property

Depreciation (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. the act of making a person or a thing seem little or unimportant

    "a depreciation of the role of minorities in the building of the nation was once a common feature of history books"

    similar: belittlement, denigration, deprecation, derogation, detraction, diminishment, disparagement, put-down
    related: aspersion, backbiting, calumny, defamation, libel, slander, vilification, derision, mockery, ridicule, abuse, invective, vituperation, censure, condemnation, criticism, denouncement, denunciation, de-emphasis, minimization, soft-pedaling
    opposite: aggrandizement, ennoblement, exaltation, glorification, magnification
    near: acclaim, praise, approbation, approval, blessing, commendation, hype, puffery

Related Entry: Depreciate (verb)

Depreciate is a different word from Depreciation. The synonyms below are for depreciate, not for depreciation.

  1. to diminish the price or value of

    "a faded finish will really depreciate your car when you decide to trade it in"

    similar: attenuate, break, cheapen, depress, devaluate, devalue, downgrade, lower, mark down, reduce, sink, write down, write off
    related: debase, demonetize, underestimate, underprice, underrate, undervalue, abridge, compress, contract, de-escalate, deflate, downsize, dwindle, lessen, moderate, shrink
    opposite: appreciate, enhance, mark up, upgrade
    near: bloat, blow up, inflate, overestimate, overprice, overrate, overvalue, add, aggrandize, amplify, augment, balloon, boost, compound, dilate, enlarge, escalate, expand, extend, heighten, increase, maximize, multiply, raise, swell, up

  2. to express scornfully one's low opinion of

    "dared to depreciate Shakespeare, saying his works have no relevance for modern audiences"

    similar: bad-mouth, belittle, cry down, decry, denigrate, deprecate, derogate, diminish, dis (slang), discount, dismiss, disparage, kiss off, minimize, play down, poor-mouth, put down, run down, talk down, trash, trash-talk, vilipend, write off, dump on
    related: discommend, abuse, scold, disapprove (of), dislike, censure, condemn, criticize, denounce, reprehend, reprobate, asperse, defame, malign, rip, slander, slur, traduce, vilify, discredit, disgrace
    opposite: acclaim, applaud, exalt, extol, glorify, laud, magnify, praise
    near: approve, countenance, endorse, favor, recommend, sanction, commend, compliment, eulogize

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Depreciation

The most common words with a similar meaning to Depreciation:

belittlement, denigration, deprecation, derogation, detraction, diminishment, disparagement, put-down

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Depreciation

Words with the opposite meaning of Depreciation:

aggrandizement, ennoblement, exaltation, glorification, magnification

Related Words for Depreciation

aspersion, backbiting, calumny, defamation, libel, slander, vilification, derision, mockery, ridicule, abuse, invective, vituperation, censure, condemnation, criticism, denouncement, denunciation, de-emphasis, minimization, soft-pedaling

Near Antonyms of Depreciation

acclaim, praise, approbation, approval, blessing, commendation, hype, puffery

Origin & Etymology of Depreciation

First known use: 1744

Frequently Asked Questions about Depreciation

What does "Depreciation" mean?

"Depreciation" means the act of making a person or thing seem less valuable, the act of depreciating. As a noun, it is defined as: the act of making a person or thing seem less valuable, the act of depreciating.

What is another word for "Depreciation"?

Other words for "Depreciation" include belittlement, denigration, deprecation, derogation, detraction, diminishment, disparagement and put-down. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Depreciation" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Depreciation"?

There are 29 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Depreciation". Common alternatives include belittlement, denigration, deprecation, derogation, detraction, diminishment, disparagement and put-down.

What is the opposite of "Depreciation"?

Antonyms of "Depreciation" include aggrandizement, ennoblement, exaltation, glorification and magnification. Near antonyms include acclaim, praise, approbation and approval.

How do you use "Depreciation" in a sentence?

Examples of "Depreciation" in a sentence: "a depreciation of the role of minorities in the building of the nation was once a common feature of history books".

Is "Depreciation" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Depreciation" is a noun.

How do you pronounce "Depreciation"?

"Depreciation" is pronounced /di-ˌprē-shē-ˈā-shən/.

What is the origin of the word "Depreciation"?

First known use: 1744.