Leakage vs. Leaking: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 27, 2023
Leakage refers to the act or instance of leaking, often implying a process or result, while leaking denotes the action or condition of a liquid, gas, or other substance escaping through a hole or crack.
Key Differences
Leakage is a noun that refers to the occurrence or instance of substances escaping from a container or system. Leaking, on the other hand, is the present participle form of the verb 'leak,' describing the action or state of a substance escaping.
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Dec 27, 2023
Leakage often denotes the result or effect of the process of escaping, commonly used in technical, mechanical, or business contexts. Leaking is used to describe the ongoing action or condition, emphasizing the process of escaping in real-time.
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Dec 27, 2023
The term 'leakage' can imply a broader scope, including the consequences or impacts of the escaping substance. 'Leaking' specifically focuses on the act of escaping and is more immediate in its application.
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Dec 27, 2023
In sentences, 'leakage' is often used to refer to a specific instance or amount of escaped substance. 'Leaking' is used to describe the active process, often requiring auxiliary verbs like 'is' or 'was.'
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Dec 27, 2023
Both terms can be used metaphorically: 'leakage' to denote unintended loss or escape in non-physical contexts, and 'leaking' to describe the continuous release of information or resources.
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Dec 27, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Implication
Broader scope, including consequences
Specific focus on the act of escaping
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Metaphorical Use
Unintended loss or escape in various contexts
Continuous release of information or resources
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Leakage and Leaking Definitions
Leakage
Leakage can refer to the loss of information or material from a system.
There was significant data leakage due to the security breach.
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Leaking
Leaking is the process of a liquid, gas, or other substance escaping through a hole or crack.
The pipe is leaking water into the basement.
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Leakage
Leakage may also denote the release of confidential information.
The firm investigated the leakage of confidential client details.
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Leaking
Leaking can describe the gradual disclosure of confidential information.
Someone has been leaking details to the press.
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Leakage
In economics, leakage is the outflow of capital or income from an economy.
Tourism revenue faces leakage when tourists spend on imported goods.
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Leaking
In the medical context, leaking refers to the seepage of bodily fluids.
The wound was leaking blood.
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Leakage
In physics, leakage is the undesired flow of current through insulation.
Engineers measured the electrical leakage in the circuit.
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Leaking
Leaking can also refer to the spread of light through an unintended gap.
Light was leaking through the curtains at dawn.
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Leakage
Leakage is the accidental escape of fluid, gas, or electricity.
The company had to address the oil leakage from the pipeline.
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Dec 27, 2023
Leaking
Leaking may indicate the slow escape of energy, like heat or sound.
The window was leaking cold air into the room.
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Leaking
To permit the escape, entry, or passage of something through a breach or flaw
Rusted pipes that were beginning to leak.
A boat leaking at the seams.
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Leaking
To escape or pass through a breach or flaw
Helium leaking slowly from the balloon.
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Leaking
To become publicly known through a breach of secrecy
The news has leaked.
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Leaking
To permit (a substance) to escape or pass through a breach or flaw
A damaged reactor leaking radioactivity into the atmosphere.
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Leaking
To disclose without authorization or official sanction
Leaked classified information to a reporter.
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Leaking
A crack or flaw that permits something to escape from or enter a container or conduit
Fixed the leak in the roof.
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Leakage
(sound recording) The situation where sound is picked up by a microphone from a source other than that which is intended.
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Leakage
(economics) The loss of revenue generated by tourism to the economies of other countries.
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Leaking
An unauthorized or a deliberate disclosure of confidential information
"Sometimes we can't respond to stories based on leaks" (Ronald Reagan).
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Leakage
An allowance of a certain rate per cent for the leaking of casks, or waste of liquors by leaking.
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Leakage
The unwanted 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
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Oct 19, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
What are common causes of leakage?
Common causes include cracks, holes, poor seals, and structural failures.
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Dec 27, 2023
What is leakage?
Leakage is the process or instance of a substance escaping from a container or system.
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Dec 27, 2023
Is leaking always visible?
Leaking is not always visible, especially in cases of gases or small leaks.
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What does leaking mean?
Leaking refers to the action of a liquid, gas, or other substance escaping through a hole or crack.
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How do you identify leaking in pipes?
Leaking in pipes can be identified by wet spots, dripping sounds, or decreased pressure.
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Can leakage be intentional?
Leakage is typically unintentional, occurring due to faults or defects.
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How does leaking affect the environment?
Leaking of harmful substances can lead to environmental pollution and ecosystem damage.
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What is data leakage?
Data leakage refers to the unauthorized transmission of data from within an organization to an external destination.
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What materials are prone to leakage?
Materials like rubber, plastic, and metal can be prone to leakage if damaged or worn out.
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How is leaking different from spilling?
Leaking is the gradual escape through a defect, while spilling is the sudden overflow or dispersal of a substance.
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Dec 27, 2023
How is leaking addressed in medical equipment?
Leaking in medical equipment is addressed through strict quality control and regular maintenance.
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Dec 27, 2023
What is energy leakage?
Energy leakage refers to the unwanted escape of heat, electricity, or sound energy from a system.
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Dec 27, 2023
Is leakage a common issue in old buildings?
Leakage is a common issue in old buildings due to aging materials and wear.
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Can leakage lead to financial loss?
Yes, leakage can lead to significant financial loss, especially in industrial settings.
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What role does insulation play in preventing leakage?
Insulation plays a crucial role in preventing leakage of heat, sound, and electrical current.
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How do companies handle information leakage?
Companies handle information leakage through security measures, encryption, and policy enforcement.
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Can you prevent leakage in household systems?
Preventing leakage in household systems involves regular inspections and maintenance.
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Dec 27, 2023
What are signs of leaking in a car?
Signs of leaking in a car include oil spots under the vehicle, unusual smells, or smoke.
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Dec 27, 2023
Can leaking be hazardous?
Yes, leaking can be hazardous, especially when it involves toxic or flammable substances.
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Dec 27, 2023
Can leakage occur in digital systems?
Yes, leakage can occur in digital systems, often referring to data or security breaches.
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Dec 27, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.