# breakage

/ˈbɹeɪkɪdʒ/ (US) · /bɹˈeɪkɪdʒ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/breakage
Updated: 2026-05-19

## Definition

the act of breaking something or the damage that happens to it. In business, it often refers to the cost of damaged goods that a company has to pay for.

For teachers: the act of breaking or the state of being broken. In a commercial context, it refers to the cost of damaged or lost goods that must be accounted for in a company's expenses.

## Examples

- The company reported a high amount of breakage this month.
- The warehouse manager noted that the increase in breakage was due to the new, more fragile packaging.
- While the initial cost of breakage is significant, the company's insurance policy covers any damage that occurs during the shipping process, provided the boxes are properly sealed.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.