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shrinkflation
/ˈʃrɪŋkˌfleɪʃən/
the practice of reducing product size or quantity while maintaining the same price
The company introduced shrinkflation by making their cereal boxes smaller without lowering the price.
The company reduced the amount of cereal in each box but kept the price the same.
Finance
informal
the practice of reducing the size or quantity of a product while keeping the price unchanged, often as a way to avoid raising prices due to inflation
Consumers noticed shrinkflation when their favorite chocolate bars became thinner but cost the same.
People realized the chocolate bars were smaller but still priced the same.
This term combines 'shrink' (reducing size) and 'inflation' (rising prices). It is commonly used in discussions about consumer goods and pricing strategies.
Collocations
shrinkflation tacticsmethods used to reduce product size or quantity without lowering pricesshrinkflation strategya business approach to avoid price increases by reducing product size
Antonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Recognizing Shrinkflation
Pay attention to product sizes and weights when shopping. Compare past purchases to current ones to identify shrinkflation.
Gold Rule
Business Use
Companies may use shrinkflation to avoid customer backlash from price increases while still adjusting to rising costs.
Word Origin
A portmanteau of 'shrink' and 'inflation', coined in the late 20th century to describe a business practice of reducing product size while maintaining prices.
Usage Notes
Shrinkflation is often used in economic and business contexts to describe how companies adjust to rising costs without explicitly raising prices. It is considered a form of hidden inflation.
Word Breakdown
shrink
to reduce in size
rootflation
related to inflation (rising prices)
suffixEnglish Dictionary