shrinkage

the act or fact of shrinking.
the amount or degree of shrinking.
reduction or depreciation in quantity, value, etc.
contraction of a fabric in finishing or washing.
the difference between the original weight of livestock and that after it has been prepared for marketing.
Commerce. loss of merchandise through breakage, pilferage, shoplifting, etc.

Origin of shrinkage First recorded in 1790–1800; shrink + -age Related Words for shrinkage diminution, reduction, depreciation, shrinking, contraction, loss, lessening Examples from the Web for shrinkage Contemporary Examples of shrinkage

True, much of that shrinkage can be traced to individuals bringing income forward to avoid higher tax rates in 2013.

David Frum

January 14, 2013

Historical Examples of shrinkage

A very important factor in the value of a fabric is the shrinkage.

William H. Dooley

The quotient multiplied by 100 will give the per cent of shrinkage.

William H. Dooley

The creditor foresaw the shrinkage of his property, and feared it.

Frederic L. Paxson

The time will come when over at our office there will be a shrinkage.

William Allen White

Moreover, shrinkage is often unequal in different portions of the same piece.

Joseph B. Wagner

British Dictionary definitions for shrinkage shrinkage noun

the act or fact of shrinking
the amount by which anything decreases in size, value, weight, etc
the loss in body weight during shipment and preparation of livestock for marketing as meat
the loss of merchandise in a retail store through theft or damage

Word Origin and History for shrinkage n.

1713, “act or fact of shrinking,” from shrink (v.) + -age. Meaning “amount by which something has shrunk” is from 1862.