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

For example, certain psychiatric illnesses have been shown to cause atrophy, or shrinkage, of parts of the brain. —Eric J. Nestler, STAT, 28 Apr. 2026

Air drying is best to prevent shrinkage, but combining it with a low-heat dryer cycle minimizes wrinkles. —Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 27 Apr. 2026

Wash, then air-dry to prevent shrinkage. —Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Charlotte Observer, 15 Apr. 2026

Exposing the wrong items to the high heat of a dryer can cause damage and shrinkage, or even create a dangerous situation. —Katelyn Squiers, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Apr. 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