leakage current

USAGE SUMMARY

"leakage current" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used in technical or scientific contexts to refer to the unintentional flow of electric current in a circuit or system, usually due to faulty insulation or other flaws. An example sentence could be, "The engineer discovered that the increase in temperature was caused by a small leakage current in the wiring."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is called leakage current.

Cornell University

A leakage-current-compensation circuit is added to suppress the maximum leakage current of 10 nA.

Microelectronics Journal

A leakage current between the electrodes was measured during annealing.

Surface and Coatings Technology

However, thicker TaN layers show lower leakage current densities.

Surface and Coatings Technology

Leakage current density decreases with increase in Dy doping.

Superlattices and Microstructures

In addition, the leakage current also can be suppressed.

Solid-State Electronics

The multiferroic, piezoelectric, leakage current behaviours were explored.

Journal of Magnetism and Magnetic Materials

The SDDs made in this material offer lower leakage current.

Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A: Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment

As a result, the ambipolar leakage current can be suppressed.

Superlattices and Microstructures

To obtain a low leakage current, PureB layers were used.

Microelectronic Engineering

During self-discharge, a small amount of leakage current will cause the voltage decay of a charged supercapacitor over time.

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In highly technical papers, specify the type of leakage (e.g. gate leakage, junction leakage) to provide clearer context.

Common error

Do not use "leakage current" to describe a one-time static discharge. Leakage current implies a continuous, albeit small, flow of electricity over time through a medium that should ideally be an insulator.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "leakage current" functions as a technical noun phrase. In the scientific examples provided by Ludwig, it typically serves as the subject of a sentence (e.g. "The "leakage current" was measured...") or as a compound noun modifying other properties like density or behavior.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

65%

Academia

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

News & Media

3%

Formal & Business

1%

General Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

Analysis of the data shows that "leakage current" is a robust and indispensable term within the scientific and engineering communities. Ludwig AI confirms its status as a correct and highly specialized phrase, primarily used to describe the unintentional flow of electricity. The vast majority of occurrences are found in high-impact journals like Nature and ScienceDirect, highlighting its academic authority. When writing, it is essential to maintain this technical precision; while synonyms like "parasitic current" exist, they often carry slightly different connotations regarding the source of the loss. Overall, "leakage current" remains the gold standard for describing electrical inefficiency in formal documentation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

parasitic current

emphasizes the unwanted nature of the flow consuming power

stray current

refers to current flowing through an unintended path

dark current

specifically describes leakage in photosensitive devices without light

off-state current

describes the flow when a transistor is theoretically switched off

residual current

commonly used in safety contexts regarding ground faults

leaking current

uses the gerund form, sounding slightly more descriptive and less like a fixed noun

leakage power

shifts focus from the flow of charge to the resulting energy loss

waste current

a more colloquial way to describe electrical inefficiency

unintentional current

a broader descriptive phrase used for non-specialist audiences

quiescent current

describes current drawn in a steady state, though not always unwanted

FAQs

How do I use "leakage current" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe inefficiency in electronics, for example: "The engineer noted that the device's battery life was shortened by a high "leakage current" in the transistors."

What is the difference between "leakage current" and "stray current"?

While both are unintended, "leakage current" usually refers to flow through insulation or semiconductors, whereas "stray current" often refers to electricity returning to the source via an unintended path like the earth or metal structures.

Can I use "parasitic current" as a synonym?

Yes, "parasitic current" is often used interchangeably in circuit design to describe current that does not contribute to the intended function.

Is it correct to say "leaking current"?

While "leaking current" is grammatically correct, "leakage current" is the standard technical term used in over 90% of scientific literature according to Ludwig.