Definition

Leakage (noun) 1. The accidental escape or entry of a substance (liquid, gas, etc.) through a hole, crack, or flaw: This refers to the process or an instance of a fluid or gas seeping out from (or into) a container, pipe, or system where it is not supposed to. 2. The unwanted or unintended escape or disclosure of information: This refers to the process or an instance of secret or confidential information becoming known to unauthorized people. 3. The loss of something, especially electric current, due to an imperfect insulation or connection: This is a technical usage referring to an undesired loss of electrical charge or signal.

Usage and Examples

• Referring to a physical substance:
  • The plumber fixed the leakage from the water heater.
  • A small leakage of toxic gas prompted the evacuation.
  • The report identified several points of leakage in the oil pipeline.
• Referring to information:
  • The leakage of the company's financial data caused a scandal.
  • The government is investigating the leakage of classified documents.
• Referring to electricity or signal loss:
  • Old wiring can cause significant power leakage.
  • The capacitor has a high leakage current, which drains the battery.

Advanced Usage

• "Leakage" as an uncountable noun: Often used to describe the general phenomenon or process.
  • Preventing data leakage is a top priority for IT security.
• "Leakage" as a countable noun: Used to refer to specific instances or points of leakage.
  • Engineers detected three separate leakages along the main seal.

Variants and Related Words

• Leak (noun/verb): The more common word for the event or act of leaking. "Leakage" often implies the process or the resulting loss.
  • There's a leak in the roof. (the hole/flaw)
  • The pipe is leaking. (the action)
  • We measured the leakage over 24 hours. (the process/amount)
• Leaky (adjective): Prone to leaking.
  • a leaky faucet.

Synonyms

• Escape: (of gas, liquid) The act of getting free.
• Seepage: The slow escape of a liquid through porous material or small holes.
• Discharge: The action of releasing a substance.
• Spill: The accidental overflow or release of a substance.
• Breach: A break in security, often for information.

Related Phrases and Collocations

• Prevent leakage: To stop something from leaking.
  • The seal is designed to prevent leakage.
• Plug a leakage: To stop a leak, often used figuratively for information.
  • The manager tried to plug the leakage of rumors.
• Leakage rate: The speed or amount at which something leaks.
  • The leakage rate was measured in liters per hour.

Noun

1. the discharge of a fluid from some container
   • they tried to stop the escape of gas from the damaged pipe
   • he had to clean up the leak