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 of shrinkage

• 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

In earlier work, Rosenblatt’s team watched as some cells dumped their water and shriveled up like raisins before being extruded; indeed, this shrinkage seemed to kick off the process. —Elise Cutts, Quanta Magazine, 12 Jan. 2026

Some of the store's challenges reflect broader pressures across the grocery industry, including shrinking margins brought on by rising food prices, debt burdens, and employee and residential shrinkage. —April Quevedo, jsonline.com, 9 Jan. 2026

Today, the variables have multiplied due to streaming, not to mention the ongoing shrinkage of the pay-TV bundle. —Dade Hayes, Deadline, 8 Jan. 2026

Generally, all wool blankets require air drying to prevent shrinkage or fraying, but take a look at the care instructions for safe measure. —Kristine Hansen, Architectural Digest, 8 Jan. 2026

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