shirk: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1formal
Quick answer
What does “shirk” mean?
To avoid or neglect (a duty, responsibility, or work).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To avoid or neglect (a duty, responsibility, or work).
To evade or escape doing something that one ought to do, especially through laziness, cowardice, or dishonesty.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage.
Connotations
Equally negative in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly more common in British English in formal/legal contexts (e.g., 'shirk one's duties'), but used in both.
Grammar
How to Use “shirk” in a Sentence
shirk + noun (duty/responsibility)shirk + from + gerund (less common, e.g., 'shirk from doing')Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “shirk” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He was accused of shirking his responsibilities as a parent.
- You can't just shirk your duties when they become difficult.
- The manager will not tolerate staff who shirk.
American English
- She never shirks a challenge, no matter how tough.
- The senator was criticized for shirking his responsibility to vote.
- Don't shirk the hard work if you want to succeed.
adverb
British English
- No standard adverb form exists.
American English
- No standard adverb form exists.
adjective
British English
- 'Shirking' is not a standard adjective. The related adjective is 'shirked' (past participle, e.g., 'a shirked duty').
American English
- 'Shirking' is not a standard adjective. The noun 'shirker' is used (e.g., 'He's a known shirker').
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used to criticise employees who avoid core responsibilities.
Academic
Used in ethics, political theory, and sociology to discuss civic duty.
Everyday
Used to complain about someone not pulling their weight.
Technical
Used in military contexts (e.g., 'shirking one's post').
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “shirk”
- Incorrect: 'He shirked to do his homework.' Correct: 'He shirked his homework.' or 'He shirked doing his homework.'
- Incorrect use with positive duties: 'shirk an opportunity' (rare/unidiomatic).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it carries a strong negative connotation of blameworthy avoidance.
Rarely. It is almost always a transitive verb (e.g., shirk something). The intransitive use ('He always shirks.') is possible but implies a known duty.
The most common noun is 'shirker' (a person who shirks). The act itself can be described as 'shirking' (a gerund).
'Avoid' is neutral and broader. 'Shirk' specifically means to avoid a duty or responsibility one is obliged to do, and it implies laziness or dishonesty.
To avoid or neglect (a duty, responsibility, or work).
Shirk is usually formal in register.
Shirk: in British English it is pronounced /ʃɜːk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ʃɝːk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No shirking!”
- “A shirker's charter (derogatory, UK)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a SHIRKER who SHIRKS work - both words sound lazy and slow.
Conceptual Metaphor
RESPONSIBILITY IS A BURDEN TO BEAR (shirking is dropping the burden).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the BEST synonym for 'shirk' in the sentence: 'He was punished for shirking his military duties.'?