shrinkflation

American  

[shringk-fley-shuhn] / ˌʃrɪŋkˈfleɪ ʃən /

noun

Economics Informal.

1. a decrease over time in quantity or in package size compared to the quantity previously sold at the same price point, resulting in a higher cost per unit for the consumer.

   The price is the same and the box looks the same, but because of shrinkflation, you’ll get ten percent less cereal when you open it up.

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Etymology

Origin of shrinkflation

First recorded in 2015–20; shrink ( def. ) + (in)flation ( def. ); coinage attributed to U.S. entrepreneur and economist Philippa (“Pippa”) Malmgren (born 1962), or U.S. historian Brian Domitrovic (born 1961)

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

shrinkflation

He expects shrinkflation as vegetables get smaller but prices don’t.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 31, 2026

Acme is essentially running our society, too, crushing consumers with shrinkflation, planned obsolescence and help lines staffed by AI bots.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 26, 2026

In 2024, Tropicana became the face of the shrinkflation epidemic.

From Slate ● Apr. 20, 2026

The great shrinkflation of housing in America is here.

From MarketWatch ● Feb. 11, 2026

The effects of "shrinkflation" are also to blame for smaller portions, as firms make smaller portions of a product but keep the price the same in order to fit squeezed customer budgets.

From BBC ● Jan. 8, 2026