noun · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot
Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.
Sound
Pronunciation
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UK:/diːˌkɒmpɛnˈseɪʃən/
1
noun
Meaning 1
The inability of a diseased or weakened organic system or organ to compensate for its deficiency, resulting in functional deterioration.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable, uncountable
Topics: medicine, sciences
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
2
noun
Meaning 2
The deterioration of cognitive or emotional functionality in a person who is distressed or who suffers from a psychological disorder.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: countable, uncountable
Topics: human-sciences, psychology, sciences
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
History
Etymology
Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *de Proto-Indo-European *-h1 Proto-Indo-European *déh1 Proto-Italic *dē Latin dē Latin dē-der. English de- English compensation English decompensation From de- + compensation.
Across languages
Translations
7 source translations are retained for this English entry.
Chinese Mandarin:
失代償 /失代偿
(shīdàicháng)
— inability of an organ to compensate
Finnish:
kompensoimaton vajaatoiminta
— inability of an organ to compensate
Finnish:
dekompensaatio
— inability of an organ to compensate
French:
décompensation
— inability of an organ to compensate
Chinese Mandarin:
失代償 /失代偿
(shīdàicháng)
— deterioration of functionality in a person
Finnish:
dekompensaatio
— deterioration of functionality in a person
French:
décompensation
— deterioration of functionality in a person