shrinkage

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "shrinkage" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the word "shrinkage" when describing a decrease in size or amount. For example, "Sales have seen a significant shrinkage since last quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

· Some of the clothes are unfortunately prone to slight shrinkage, so allow for about 10 per cent extra room.

The Guardian - Travel

Let us be clear, as a country we are sleepwalking into a period of strategic shrinkage, with David Cameron and Hammond seeking to do defence and security on the cheap.

The Guardian

By 2015 the shrinkage will be complete.

The Guardian

Climate data provides evidence this shrinkage did happen.According to Dr Thomas, therefore, culture was not invented once, when people had become clever enough, and then gradually built up into the edifice it is today.

The Economist

With each change the Arctic surface absorbs more heat.On thin iceA simultaneous thinning of the sea ice is also speeding up the shrinkage, because thinner ice is more liable to melt.

The Economist

One official involved says the shrinkage does not have much further to go, suggesting foreign banks' positions are not wildly overstated.Traders retort that the figures exaggerate their activity in another way.

The Economist

Of those given the new drug, almost 90% showed shrinkage of their tumours and more than half saw those tumours shrink by at least a third.

The Economist

To plan for shrinkage is to admit that people will not come back, which sounds like an admission of failure.

The Economist

According to the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, the typical new house today is 55% smaller than one built before 1920.Though households are getting smaller, this alone does not explain the extent of house shrinkage.

The Economist

But other imports tumbled by 4%, a fall centred on consumer goods (down by 6.8% on the month) and cars.In this section Seifert gets the blues A whiff of fear Too clever by half Net gains Surprise shrinkage Promises, ahem Poverty and the ballot box ReprintsThere is little evidence that this drop was caused by a cheaper dollar.

The Economist

Forecasters adjust their predictions for economic shrinkage almost weekly.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing material properties, quantify the percentage of "shrinkage" to provide a clear understanding of the dimensional change. For example: "The plastic experienced a 5% shrinkage after cooling."

Common error

Avoid using "shrinkage" when referring to data loss or memory reduction in computing. Use terms like data loss, memory leak, or reduced storage capacity instead, as "shrinkage" typically relates to physical size or inventory.

Linguistic Context

Shrinkage functions primarily as a noun, denoting the act, process, or result of something becoming smaller. Ludwig examples show it referring to physical reduction, economic decline, or loss of inventory. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

Shrinkage is a noun used to describe the process or result of something becoming smaller, whether physically, economically, or in terms of inventory. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. It appears most frequently in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts, indicating its relevance in discussing economic trends and business operations. When writing about shrinkage, consider quantifying the degree of reduction and avoiding its use in contexts where other terms like “data loss” are more appropriate. Related terms include "reduction" and "decrease", offering alternative ways to express this concept.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reduction

General term for making something smaller or less.

reduction in size

Focuses specifically on physical dimension decrease.

decrease in quantity

Emphasizes the lessening of an amount or number.

decline in value

Highlights a loss of monetary or perceived worth.

contraction

Suggests a squeezing or drawing together, leading to a smaller form.

diminution

Implies a gradual lessening or reduction.

lessening

Refers to the act of making or becoming less.

attrition

Describes a gradual reduction in numbers or strength because of something that is happening.

downsizing

Suggests a deliberate reduction in personnel or resources.

erosion

Highlights the gradual destruction or diminution.

FAQs

How is "shrinkage" used in retail contexts?

In retail, "shrinkage" refers to inventory losses due to theft, damage, or errors. It is a key metric for assessing operational efficiency and security measures.

What are some common causes of "shrinkage" in manufacturing?

Common causes include material cooling after molding, solvent evaporation in coatings, and changes in humidity affecting wood and textiles.

Is "shrinkage" always a negative phenomenon?

While often associated with loss, "shrinkage" can be a necessary or even desirable process in certain applications, such as controlled material contraction in construction or specific food preparation techniques.

What's a more formal way to say "shrinkage"?

In formal contexts, consider using "reduction", "decrease", or "contraction", depending on the specific context and the nature of what is diminishing.