shrinkage

noun

shrink·​age ˈshriŋ-kij How to pronounce shrinkage (audio)
 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

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
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.
Sudden weight loss can rapidly reduce facial fat, leading to changes such as skin shrinkage, sagging, and decreased elasticity. Bruce Gil, Quartz, 9 Oct. 2024 The Lone Star State's central and eastern counties saw the most significant growth during this period, with often dramatic population shrinkage in western counties. David Faris, Newsweek, 3 Nov. 2024 Obviously, there are myriad reasons for the malaise gripping the town — the lingering aftereffects of the pandemic, the industry-wide economic shrinkage, the labor unrest, the waves and waves of layoffs. Mia Galuppo, The Hollywood Reporter, 30 Oct. 2024 Those on treatment also experienced brain shrinkage, which is still poorly understood. Byjennifer Couzin-Frankel, science.org, 29 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for shrinkage 

Word History

First Known Use

1800, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of shrinkage was in 1800

Dictionary Entries Near shrinkage

Cite this Entry

“Shrinkage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shrinkage. Accessed 8 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

shrinkage

noun
shrink·​age ˈshriŋ-kij How to pronounce shrinkage (audio)
: the amount by which something shrinks or becomes less

More from Merriam-Webster on shrinkage

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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