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

Curly and coily hair, for example, can appear to grow more slowly because of shrinkage and may also be more prone to breakage. — Lauren Valenti, Vogue, 20 Sep. 2026

Not only is this version a third of the price, but shoppers say the quality might be even better, too—no shrinkage or pilling here. — Kate Boswell, Southern Living, 18 Sep. 2026

But most agree that however it’s defined, its shrinkage is unmistakable. — Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2026

Scientists from the German Aerospace Center's Institute of Space Research reported Thursday that Mercury's shrinkage may be 30% greater than previously believed -- a loss in diameter of as much as 14 miles. — Arkansas Online, 11 Sep. 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