pilferage

American  

[pil-fer-ij] / ˈpɪl fər ɪdʒ /

noun

1. the act or practice of pilfering; petty theft.

2. something that is pilfered.

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pilferage British  

/ ˈpɪlfərɪdʒ /

noun

1. the act or practice of stealing small quantities or articles

2. the amount so stolen

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Etymology

Origin of pilferage

First recorded in 1620–30; pilfer + -age

Example Sentences

Further investigation by the SIT has revealed pilferage also from the pedestals and door frames and the court says that approximately 4.54kg gold has gone missing since 2019.

From BBC

Konchalski criticized “the rampant pilferage of talent” as “craven” before wishing subscribers continued success.

From New York Times

"The bigger issue is a pilferage issue and it may not necessarily be around cabin crew," he told BBC Radio 4's Today programme.

From BBC

The debate appears to have intensified after a column in the Kenyan newspaper Business Daily noted the “pilferage of African culture over the years, through the use of intellectual property rights.”

From New York Times

Hotel representatives say the change does not directly save the companies money, even though it will cut down on pilferage, but could help attract and retain guests.

From Los Angeles Times