shrinkage

noun

shrink·​age ˈshriŋ-kij 

 especially Southern  ˈsriŋ-

1

: the act or process of shrinking

2

a

: the loss in weight of livestock during shipment and in the process of preparing the meat for consumption

b

: the loss of goods especially by theft

inventory shrinkage

3

: the amount lost by shrinkage

Synonyms

• decrease
• reduction
• dent
• decline
• drop

Examples of shrinkage in a Sentence

The shrinkage in contributions is significant.

a shrinkage of 10 percent

the shrinkage of the polar ice caps

Recent Examples on the Web

This new regime can last a couple of years and, on net, will produce equity shrinkage before the secondary offerings overwhelm the market. —Jim Cramer, CNBC, 30 June 2025

This premature shrinkage is concerning because gray matter houses the majority of your brain's neuronal cell bodies. —Caroline Castrillon, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025

Specifically, it's linked to Alzheimer's disease, cognitive decline, and brain shrinkage, even in people who consistently exercise. —Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 30 May 2025

The cover held its shape well through frequent washing, with only minimal shrinkage. —Carrie Honaker, Southern Living, 22 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1800, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for shrinkage

• linkage

Kids Definition

shrinkage

noun

shrink·​age ˈshriŋ-kij 

: the amount by which something shrinks or becomes less