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Noun: shrinkage  shring-kij
  1. Process or result of becoming less or smaller
    "the material lost 2 inches per yard in shrinkage";
    - shrinking
     
  2. The amount by which something shrinks
    "The shrinkage of the fabric after washing was more than expected"
     
  3. The act of stealing goods that are on display in a store
    "shrinkage is the retail trade's euphemism for shoplifting";
    - shoplifting

Derived forms: shrinkages

Type of: decrease, decrement, drop-off, larceny, lessening, stealing, theft, thievery, thieving

Encyclopedia: Shrinkage