# shoplifting

/ˈʃɑˌpɫɪftɪŋ/ (US) · /ʃˈɒplɪftɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/shoplifting
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

the act of stealing goods from a store without paying for them. It is a crime that happens when someone takes items and leaves without paying.

For teachers: the act of stealing goods from a retail establishment without paying for them. Often used in legal contexts to distinguish the crime from other forms of theft.

## Examples

- The shoplifting alarm went off as the customer walked out.
- The store installed new cameras to catch shoplifting and protect its inventory from loss.
- While shoplifting is often viewed as a minor offense by the public, it represents a significant financial burden for retailers, leading to increased prices for honest customers.

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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.