The meaning of DEVOLUTION is transference (as of rights, powers, property, or responsibility) to another; especially : the surrender of powers to local authorities by a central government. How …

DEVOLUTION meaning: 1. the moving of power or responsibility from a main organization to a lower level, or from a…. Learn more.

Devolution is the statutory delegation of powers from the central government of a sovereign state to govern at a subnational level, such as a regional or local level. [1]

DEVOLUTION definition: the act or fact of devolving; passage onward from stage to stage. See examples of devolution used in a sentence.

Definition of devolution noun from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. the act of giving power from a central authority or government to an authority or a government in a local region. …

Devolution is the transfer of some authority or power from a central organization or government to smaller organizations or government departments.

There are 13 meanings listed in OED's entry for the noun devolution, six of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

devolution - A passing down from stage to stage or the passing of property, rights, or authority from one person to another; it implies moving backward. See also related terms for rights. …

Dec 11, 2025 · A descent, especially one that passes through a series of revolutions, or by succession. The transference of a right to a successor, or of a power from one body to …

Devolution is a process of decline. Something has gone from great to good, good to bad, or excellent all the way to horrible.