withdrawn
B2Formal to neutral
Definition
Meaning
To have been removed, retracted, or taken back; to have become uncommunicative, reserved, or detached.
Referring to something (like money, a statement, or a candidate) that has been taken back or retracted; also describing a person who is introverted, socially detached, or retreats into their own thoughts.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The meaning bifurcates: 1) the past participle of 'withdraw', denoting a completed action of removal/retraction. 2) An established adjective describing a personality trait of quiet introspection or social avoidance.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. The adjective sense is equally common. The verb form 'withdrew/withdrawn' sees more frequent use in UK financial contexts (e.g., 'withdrawn from an account').
Connotations
Slightly stronger negative connotation (shy, problematic) in the adjective sense in some US informal contexts, whereas UK usage may more neutrally imply 'reserved'.
Frequency
The adjective is moderately frequent in both. The past participle verb form is high frequency in formal/administrative contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[NP] withdrawn from [NP][NP] withdrawn by [NP][NP] be/become/grow withdrawnVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Withdrawn into one's shell”
- “A withdrawn offer”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
The takeover bid was abruptly withdrawn by the acquiring company.
Academic
The controversial paper was withdrawn from the journal pending further review.
Everyday
She's been quite withdrawn since she started her new job.
Technical
The medication was withdrawn from the market due to adverse side effects.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The application has been formally withdrawn.
- He withdrawn a large sum from his savings account.
- Troops were withdrawn from the region last year.
American English
- The lawsuit was withdrawn by the plaintiff.
- She withdrawn her candidacy for the position.
- The product was voluntarily withdrawn after the FDA warning.
adjective
British English
- The child was very withdrawn after the incident.
- He has a rather withdrawn personality.
- She gave a withdrawn smile and said little.
American English
- He's been kind of withdrawn lately, don't you think?
- The withdrawn soldier struggled to reconnect with civilian life.
- Her withdrawn demeanor was mistaken for aloofness.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The money was withdrawn from the bank.
- The shy boy was quiet and withdrawn.
- After the argument, she became quiet and withdrawn.
- The old banknotes are no longer valid; they have been withdrawn.
- The ambassador was withdrawn from his post following the diplomatic scandal.
- A typically gregarious man, his withdrawn behaviour was a cause for concern.
- The controversial policy proposal was summarily withdrawn in the face of unanimous opposition.
- Her profoundly withdrawn state was a clinical sign of the developing depression.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'with' + 'drawn' (pulled). A person who is 'withdrawn' has pulled their emotions and social self 'with' them, inside.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOCIAL INTERACTION IS A PHYSICAL PRESENCE; to be withdrawn is to be PHYSICALLY PULLED BACK FROM A SPACE.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation of 'withdrawn' (adj.) as 'удалённый' (remote/distant in location). Use 'замкнутый', 'отстранённый'.
- For the verb, 'быть withdrawn' is not a state but an action; ensure correct tense: 'The money *was withdrawn*' (Деньги были сняты).
Common Mistakes
- Using 'withdrawn' as a present tense verb (incorrect: *I withdrawn money; correct: I withdraw/I withdrew money).
- Confusing 'withdrawn' (adj.) with 'introverted' (a more neutral, innate trait vs. 'withdrawn' which often suggests a reactive state).
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'withdrawn' used as an adjective?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. It is commonly used as the past participle of the verb 'withdraw' for objects, offers, money, etc. (e.g., 'The offer was withdrawn'). The adjective often describes people but can metaphorically describe things like 'a withdrawn look'.
'Shy' implies nervousness or timidity in social situations, often innate. 'Withdrawn' suggests a more active disengagement or retreat from social contact, often due to circumstance, mood, or choice, and can carry a stronger implication of introspection or depression.
Rarely. As an adjective, it typically describes a lack of social engagement, which is often viewed negatively or as a cause for concern. As a verb, it is neutral (e.g., 'The threat was withdrawn' is positive).
Present: withdraw/witdraws; Past: withdrew; Past Participle: withdrawn (used with have/had/has – 'has withdrawn'); Present Participle/Gerund: withdrawing.