An ink problem characterized by particles of pigment becoming "undispersed" and "flocking" together in clumps, commonly caused by the addition of a substance that "shocks" the particles out of suspension. Ink that has undergone flocculation tends to print with decreased color strength, and occasionally with decreased gloss. Adding solvent to the ink may help alleviate the problem, although adding an excessive amount of solvent will result in an excessive decrease in viscosity. (See also Sedimentation.) The dispersion of clustered pigment particles is called deflocculation.