shrinkage Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun process or result of becoming less or smaller
    shrinking.
    • the material lost 2 inches per yard in shrinkage
  2. noun the amount by which something shrinks
  3. noun the act of stealing goods that are on display in a store
    shoplifting.
    • shrinkage is the retail trade's euphemism for shoplifting

WordNet

Shrink"age noun
Definitions
  1. The act of shrinking; a contraction into less bulk or measurement.
  2. The amount of such contraction; the bulk or dimension lost by shrinking, as of grain, castings, etc.
  3. Decrease in value; depreciation. Colloq.

Webster 1913