What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
deregulation
Example
The airline industry was deregulated in the 1970s, leading to increased competition and lower prices. [deregulated: verb]
Example
Deregulation of the energy sector has led to more innovation and investment in renewable energy sources. [deregulation: noun]
decontrol
Example
The government decided to decontrol the price of sugar, allowing the market to determine the price. [decontrol: verb]
Example
Decontrol of the housing market led to a surge in construction and increased availability of affordable housing. [decontrol: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Deregulation is more commonly used than decontrol in the United States, while decontrol is more commonly used in the United Kingdom. However, both words are relatively common in the context of economics and government policy.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between deregulation and decontrol?
Both deregulation and decontrol are formal words that are typically used in academic or professional contexts, such as economics, business, or government policy.