1. the transfer of power from a central government to regional or local governments
Usage: political science
2. the process of declining or deteriorating to a lower or worse state
Usage: formal

Examples

• The devolution of powers to Scotland gave the region greater autonomy.
• Many countries have undergone political devolution in recent decades.
• The devolution of authority allowed local communities to make their own decisions.
• Critics argued that the policy represented a devolution of educational standards.
• The company’s devolution from a market leader to bankruptcy was swift.
• Some biologists study the devolution of certain species in isolated environments.