Devolves

To devolve is to transfer or delegate power, responsibility, or authority from a higher level to a lower one. It can also mean to deteriorate or decline, often referring to a process of worsening or simplification. The term frequently applies to systems, situations, or entities undergoing a shift in control or a decline in quality. The nature of the 'devolving' can be about sharing responsibilities and autonomy or an unwanted decline of order and efficiency. Devolving is also used to describe how a subject changes over a period of time or how an action progresses. The use of the word devolves encompasses a wide range of contexts from politics and corporate structures to biological processes and general societal behavior.

Devolves meaning with examples

• After the CEO retired, the decision-making authority devolved down to the department heads, streamlining project approvals. This shift ensured quicker project implementations and encouraged initiative among the staff. The new system gave people the ability to work in their own way, leading to new ideas. Though, it came with accountability as now each department was fully responsible for their success and failures.
• The colony's governance devolved from a centralized monarchy to a system of representative councils after they were granted more autonomy by their colonial rulers. This gradual process allowed them to create their own laws and better reflect the specific needs of their citizens. It meant they had full control of all aspects of society. The change from central control enabled them to have a higher voice, leading to a more representative government.
• Over time, the once-complex ecosystem devolved into a monoculture, a single species dominating the area due to extreme environmental changes. The original variety of flora and fauna was lost. Competition amongst species and natural selection had slowly simplified the ecosystem. This lack of biodiversity made the environment vulnerable to diseases or other disturbances because of reduced complexity.
• The debate regarding the company’s restructuring devolved quickly into personal attacks and accusations, distracting from the core financial issues. The initial arguments over fiscal strategy became meaningless as anger and frustration rose in the conference. The session became unproductive and a waste of time. The initial plans could not go ahead with the situation at hand.
• As the software project's scope expanded and the team’s structure became increasingly convoluted, the project management devolved to chaos, with missed deadlines and significant duplication of efforts. The team was no longer organized. Planning and communications began to disintegrate. This lack of organization meant things could not be delivered in a timely way, and the project began to collapse.