accounting

depreciation

A decrease in the value of an asset over time due to wear, age, or obsolescence.

Example

"The car's depreciation meant it was worth only half its purchase price after four years."

💡 Memory Tip

DE-preciation — de means down. Depreciation is the value going DOWN.

Etymology

From Latin 'depretiare' meaning 'to lower the price of' — the price goes down.

Common Misspellings

depriciationdepreceationdepreciatondepricciation

Related Terms

appreciationassetamortization

See Also

book value

Want to understand money better? Get money tips and new terms in your inbox.