breakage

noun

break·​age ˈbrā-kij How to pronounce breakage (audio)
1
: loss due to things broken
2
a
: the action or an instance of breaking
b
: a quantity broken

Examples of breakage in a Sentence

The pots are transported carefully to reduce the risk of breakage. The pots are transported carefully to reduce the number of breakages.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This breakage can create new vectors and opportunities for hackers, who are already regrouping for more high-profile attacks, to exploit. Daniel Kendzior, Fortune, 31 Oct. 2025 Flaking often leads to an itchy scalp, and frequent scratching may damage hair follicles (the base of the hair strand) or cause breakage. Lindsay Curtis, Health, 30 Oct. 2025 Rice protein fortifies each strand to reduce breakage, while hyaluronic acid provides weightless hydration so hair stays soft without feeling heavy. Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 30 Oct. 2025 Having struggled with her own severe breakage and damage, Yung devised a viral, multistep care strategy made to replenish, nourish and support the regrowth of hair follicles. Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 26 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for breakage

Word History

First Known Use

1769, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of breakage was in 1769

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Breakage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/breakage. Accessed 8 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

breakage

noun
break·​age ˈbrā-kij How to pronounce breakage (audio)
1
a
: the action of breaking
b
: a quantity broken
2
: an allowance for things broken

More from Merriam-Webster on breakage

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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