What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
pilferage
Example
The company suffered from pilferage due to the lack of security measures. [pilferage: noun]
Example
The employee was caught pilfering office supplies from the storage room. [pilfering: verb]
theft
Example
The store owner reported the theft of several valuable items from the display case. [theft: noun]
Example
He was arrested for theft after being caught stealing a car. [theft: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Theft is a more common term than pilferage in everyday language and is used in a wider range of contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between pilferage and theft?
Both pilferage and theft are formal terms used in legal and business contexts, but theft is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal settings.
