Shrinkage: meaning, definitions and examples

This is often used in business or physical contexts to describe the process of becoming smaller in size, amount, or value, typically as an unwanted result.

• The company reported a shrinkage in profits due to market downturns.
• Shrinkage of the wool sweater occurred after it was washed in hot water.

Useful in a wide range of contexts, 'reduction' indicates a process of making something smaller or less in amount, degree, or size.

• The new law aims at a reduction in the use of plastic bags.
• Reduction in workload can help improve employee morale.

This is a general term for a reduction in size, number, or amount, and it is commonly used in various situations without negative connotations.

• The decrease in temperatures was noticeable in October.
• There was a decrease in crime rates this year.

This term often carries a formal tone and indicates a reduction in power, importance, or size. It is less commonly used in everyday speech.

• The policy led to the diminution of the CEO's authority.
• Researchers observed a diminution in test scores over the past five years.

This typically refers to a decrease or shortening in size, amount, or length, often in medical or economic settings. It can also describe a grammatical combination of words.

• Economic contraction was evident during the recession period.
• The hospital monitored the patient's muscle contraction during the procedure.
• In English, the contraction of 'do not' is 'don't'.

Commonly used in business and retail to describe the loss of inventory or assets. It can also refer to the reduction in size of materials.

• The company faced a significant shrinkage in their stock due to theft
• The shrinkage of wool after washing was noticeable

Often used in medical and economic contexts. In medicine, it describes muscles tightening, and in economics, it refers to a reduction in economic activity.

• The patient's contractions increased as they were closer to delivery
• The country is facing an economic contraction due to recent policy changes

Typically describes the process of becoming smaller in size, used for various contexts such as materials, people’s height, or even businesses.

• Wool clothes can shrink if washed in hot water
• Her height seemed to shrink as she got older
• The company had to shrink its workforce due to budget cuts

Refers to the ongoing process of becoming smaller or less significant. It's often used to describe trends or continuous actions.

• They observed the icebergs shrinking over the years due to climate change
• The shrinking customer base is a concern for the business

This term is often used in business or financial contexts where the reduction is due to loss or waste, such as inventory shrinkage due to theft or error.

• The company faced significant shrinkage in their inventory due to shoplifting.
• Shrinkage in profit margins has been a major concern for the shareholders.

This is a general and versatile term used in various contexts including business, health, and everyday life to describe making something smaller or less in amount, degree, or size.

• She achieved a reduction in her weight after months of dieting and exercise.
• A reduction in costs helped the company increase its profit margins.

Diminishment is typically used in formal or literary settings to describe a decrease in value, importance, or size over time.

• The community noticed a gradual diminishment of the river's water levels.
• There was a perceivable diminishment in his enthusiasm after the project failed.

Shrink is a more informal and common term used in everyday language to describe something becoming smaller in size, often related to physical objects or abstract concepts like confidence.

• The sweater will shrink if you wash it in hot water.
• Her confidence seemed to shrink in front of the large audience.