shirk
Shirk (verb) means to avoid a duty or responsibility. Example: “He was accused of shirking his household chores.”
How to use shirk
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo dodge work or responsibility instead of doing it.
Shirk always takes an object — you shirk a duty or responsibility, you don't just "shirk" on its own with that meaning.
Word forms
shirked past tense, shirks plural, Shirks plural, shirks singular
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."
Synonyms
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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.