verb
shirk
shurk
Shirk (verb) means to avoid a duty or responsibility. Example: “He was accused of shirking his household chores.”
verb
1
To avoid a duty or responsibility.
"He was accused of shirking his household chores."
"She never shirks her responsibilities at work."
noun
1
Someone who avoids their duties.
"Nobody wanted to work with a known shirk."
How to use shirk
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo dodge work or responsibility instead of doing it.
Common mistake
Shirk always takes an object — you shirk a duty or responsibility, you don't just "shirk" on its own with that meaning.
Common pairings
shirk responsibility
shirk one's duty
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Word forms
- Plural
- shirks
- Third person singular
- shirks
- Past tense
- shirked
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He was accused of _____ his household chores.
Etymology
First recorded around 1633, likely linked to the word shark (as in a swindler) or borrowed from German Schurke, meaning "rogue" or "knave."
Class of 1633
shirk joined the language around 1633.
See the full Class of 1633 →
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for shirk
See all rhymes for shirk →Frequently asked questions
What does “shirk” mean?
The word “shirk” means to avoid a duty or responsibility. In plain terms, to dodge work or responsibility instead of doing it.
How do you pronounce “shirk”?
“Shirk” is pronounced shurk (/ʃɝk/ in IPA).
How do you use “shirk” in a sentence?
Here is “shirk” used in a sentence: “He was accused of shirking his household chores.”
What is another word for “shirk”?
Words with a similar meaning to “shirk” include shrink, blow off, cop out, dog, doss and duck.
What part of speech is “shirk”?
Depending on how it is used, “shirk” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “shirk” come from?
The word “shirk” dates back to around 1633 and comes from German. First recorded around 1633, likely linked to the word shark (as in a swindler) or borrowed from German Schurke, meaning "rogue" or "knave.".
How many meanings does “shirk” have?
“Shirk” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to avoid a duty or responsibility.
