'ballastage' originates from the English noun 'ballast' combined with the French suffix '-age' (from Old French), where '-age' meant 'action, process, or result'.

'ballastage' developed in English by adding the French-derived suffix '-age' to 'ballast' (itself a borrowing into English from Low German/Middle Dutch), producing a noun meaning the action or result of ballasting.

Initially used to denote the action or result of adding ballast, it has remained largely consistent, covering both the process and the amount/material of ballast.