depreciation

[ dih-pree-shee-ey-shuhn ]

noun

1. decrease in value due to wear and tear, decay, decline in price, etc.
2. such a decrease as allowed in computing the value of property for tax purposes.
3. a decrease in the purchasing or exchange value of money.
4. a lowering in estimation.

depreciation

/ dɪˌpriːʃɪˈeɪʃən /

noun

1. accounting
   1. the reduction in value of a fixed asset due to use, obsolescence, etc
   2. the amount deducted from gross profit to allow for such reduction in value
2. accounting a modified amount permitted for purposes of tax deduction
3. the act or an instance of depreciating or belittling; disparagement
4. a decrease in the exchange value of currency against gold or other currencies brought about by excess supply of that currency under conditions of fluctuating exchange rates Compare devaluation

depreciation

1. A decline over time in the value of a tangible asset , such as a house or car.

Other Words From

• nonde·preci·ation noun
• prede·preci·ation noun
• rede·preci·ation noun
• under·de·preci·ation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of depreciation¹

An Americanism dating back to 1730–40; depreciate + -ion

Example Sentences

If the treasury lets you accelerate the depreciation of your jet, they'll collect less tax revenue now, but more in year six.

From The Daily Beast

At least some of the depreciation for the rest of the jets stretches beyond the window.

From The Daily Beast

We'll grandfather all the jets that were bought before, so that they still get to use the old depreciation schedule.

From The Daily Beast

In year three, total depreciation is $4.26 billion instead of $6 billion, in year four it's $6.68 billion, and so forth . . .

From The Daily Beast

So the question is, how much is accelerated depreciation worth?

From The Daily Beast

With her self-depreciation she was one thing that she was not likely to guessthe prettiest talker in the world.

From Project Gutenberg

At any rate, after what we have read we cannot attribute his intention of studying under Kalkbrenner to undue self-depreciation.

From Project Gutenberg

In spite of the increased depreciation of the currency the Colony continued to grow in numbers and strength.

From Project Gutenberg

In the midst of these efforts depreciation was undermining the strength and corrupting the moral sense of the community.

From Project Gutenberg

Most of this fund was wiped out by depreciation of money, etc., during the Civil War.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• deflation
• reduction
• slump