1
: an act, instance, or process of slipping
2
: a loss in transmission of power
also : the difference between theoretical and actual output (as of power)

Examples of slippage in a Sentence

The boot's sole prevents slippage.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Not all the angles of the end of the fight caught Acosta's slippage. — Sean Joseph Outkick, FOXNews.com, 19 Oct. 2026 MXene nanosheets fill the microscopic gaps between those fibers, locking them in place and preventing slippage under physical pressure. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 21 Sep. 2026 Additionally, Lycra® VintageFX fiber supports more durable denim and reduces the chance of seam slippage, in which stress causes fabrics to gap where they are sewn together. — Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 17 Sep. 2026 An interest in the conditions of publication, and its weird slippages and exceptions, runs through everything Inpatient does. — James Folta, Literary Hub, 9 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for slippage

Word History

Etymology

slip entry 1 + -age

First Known Use

1850, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of slippage was in 1850

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Slippage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/slippage. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

Kids Definition

1
: an act, instance, or process of slipping
2
: a loss in transmission of power
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