dilutive
/dɪˈluː.tɪv/ IELTSAcademic
adjective
Causing a reduction in value, strength, or ownership by adding more of something. In finance, it often means new shares reduce each existing share's value or control.
- The new shares had a dilutive effect on earnings.
- Investors worried about dilutive fundraising.
- The deal could be dilutive for current owners.
Adinary Nuance
Dilutive is more specific than "dilute" or "weakening." It is often used in finance, especially for shares, ownership, and earnings. Writers choose it when they want to show that adding something reduces each part’s value. It sounds more technical and business-like than everyday words like "loss" or "reduction."
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- làm pha loãng
- Spanish
- dilutivo
- Chinese
- 稀释性的
- Japanese
- 希薄化の
- Korean
- 희석하는
Etymology
From Latin diluere, meaning “to wash away” or “dilute.” It entered English through finance and business language in modern usage.
Common phrases
dilutive effectdilutive sharesdilutive financingdilutive to earnings
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is dilutive a common everyday word?
- No. It is mainly used in business, finance, and legal writing.
- What is the difference between dilutive and dilute?
- Dilutive is an adjective. It describes something that causes dilution, especially in finance.
- Can I use dilutive in IELTS Academic writing?
- Yes, if you are writing about business, markets, or company finance.
- Does dilutive always mean bad?
- Often yes for existing shareholders, because it can reduce their share of value or control.