wastage

 
Pronunciation: /ˈweɪstɪdʒ/

noun

[mass noun]
  • 1the action or process of losing or destroying something by using it carelessly or extravagantly: the wastage of natural resources
  • the amount of something that is wasted: wastage was cut by 50 per cent
  • 2 (also natural wastage) British the reduction in the size of a workforce as a result of voluntary resignation or retirement rather than enforced redundancy: 120 staff were lost through natural wastage
  • the number of people leaving a job or further educational establishment before they have completed their training or education: the influence of academic ability on student wastage
  • 3the weakening or deterioration of a part of the body, typically as a result of illness or lack of use: the wastage of muscle tissue