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Definition of shrinkage

shrinkage

/ˈʃrɪŋ.kɪdʒ/
shrink · age
Plural:shrinkages
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shrinkage Lexical Profile

shrinkage Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The process, fact, or degree of becoming smaller in size, volume, or amount.

Example

"Washing wool garments in hot water often results in noticeable shrinkage."

2

The loss of retail inventory or stock due to factors such as shoplifting, employee theft, damage, or administrative error.

Example

"The supermarket installed new security cameras at the self-checkout lanes to reduce inventory shrinkage."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
View all antonyms for shrinkage

• Nearby Words

shrine
shrink
shrinkable
shrinkage
shrinker
shrinkflation
shrinkproof

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the late 18th century from the verb 'shrink' (from Old English 'scrincan', meaning to contract or wither) combined with the noun-forming suffix '-age'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Shrinkage. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/shrinkage
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