English Reference
noun

leakage

n.
US /ˈɫikədʒ/ UK /lˈiːkɪdʒ/ leak·age UK spelling leakage's, leakage's

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    the act of a liquid or gas escaping through a hole or crack.

    the physical escape of a fluid or gas from a container or conduit due to a structural failure.

    Simple

    The plumber checked the pipes to find the source of the water leakage.

    In context

    Engineers monitored the pressure gauges closely, fearing that any further gas leakage could lead to a significant environmental hazard.

    leakseepageescape
  2. 02 C1 Advanced Formal

    the accidental sharing of secret or private information.

    the unauthorised or accidental disclosure of confidential data or sensitive information.

    Simple

    The company investigated the leakage of private customer data to the press.

    In context

    The government launched an internal inquiry to determine how the leakage of classified documents had occurred despite strict digital protocols.

  3. 03 C1 Advanced AcademicTechnical Economics

    the loss of money from an economy, often because it is spent in other countries.

    the diversion of income from a circular flow, such as when tourism revenue is spent on imported goods rather than local services.

    Simple

    The island's economy suffered from leakage because most hotels were owned by foreign companies.

    In context

    Economists argue that reducing leakage is essential for developing nations to ensure that tourism profits actually benefit the local population.

  4. 04 C1 Advanced Technical Science

    the flow of electricity where it is not supposed to go.

    the gradual loss of electrical energy through insulation or across a dielectric.

    Simple

    The old battery failed because of internal electrical leakage over time.

    In context

    The technician used a multimeter to detect any current leakage that might be compromising the safety of the high-voltage circuit.

A Welsh Water spokesperson said it was aiming to reduce leakage in its network by 24% by 2030.

BBC News· 4 Sept 2026

A week later, the apparent fuel leakage from the Minoan Pioneer bulk carrier had spread across a large area of the strait.

BBC News· 14 Aug 2026

From leak + -age.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Frequent
Updated