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

Most run according to a combination of budget cycles, maintenance and depreciation schedules, accounting rules and plain old obsolescence.

From Seattle Times

ProPublica’s 2021 article traced how owners, starting with the late baseball showman Bill Veeck decades ago, persuaded the IRS to accept a “gimmick” that allows owners to take massive depreciation write-offs.

From Salon

The company, whose main business revolves around connecting prospective homebuyers with real estate agents, reported $125 million in adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, beating the average analyst estimate of $104 million.

From Seattle Times

Kennedy wants to “change business depreciation rules and reform the ‘enterprise zones’ that have contributed so much to gentrification.”

From Los Angeles Times

That includes mortgage interest, taxes, operating expenses, depreciation and repairs.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• deflation
• reduction
• slump