withdrawn
wihth-DRAWN
Withdrawn (adjective) means Quiet and reluctant to engage or socialize with others. Example: “After moving schools she grew withdrawn and rarely spoke in class.”
adjective
1
Quiet and reluctant to engage or socialize with others.
"After moving schools she grew withdrawn and rarely spoke in class."
"He became withdrawn after the loss of his job."
"The child seemed withdrawn and avoided eye contact."
2
Taken out of use, circulation, or consideration.
"The offer was withdrawn before anyone had time to accept it."
"Her name was withdrawn from the list after she changed her mind."
"The recalled model was withdrawn from sale."
How to use withdrawn
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither shy and unsociable, or taken out of circulation/use.
Common pairings
seem withdrawn
withdrawn from sale
emotionally withdrawn
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more withdrawn
- Superlative
- most withdrawn
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After moving schools she grew _____ and rarely spoke in class.
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “withdrawn” mean?
The word “withdrawn” means quiet and reluctant to engage or socialize with others. In plain terms, either shy and unsociable, or taken out of circulation/use.
How do you pronounce “withdrawn”?
“Withdrawn” is pronounced wihth-DRAWN (/wɪðˈdɹɔn/ in IPA).
How do you use “withdrawn” in a sentence?
Here is “withdrawn” used in a sentence: “He became withdrawn after the loss of his job.”
What part of speech is “withdrawn”?
“Withdrawn” is an adjective.
Is “withdrawn” a common word?
“Withdrawn” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
How many meanings does “withdrawn” have?
“Withdrawn” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: quiet and reluctant to engage or socialize with others.
What is the difference between withdrawn and shy?
Shy usually means nervous or timid around others, often wanting to connect but finding it hard. Withdrawn describes being quiet and reluctant to engage, suggesting someone has pulled back from contact, sometimes because of mood or distress.
What is the difference between withdrawn and introverted?
An introverted person simply prefers less social stimulation and recharges alone, which is a stable personality trait. Withdrawn suggests a person has retreated from social contact, often temporarily and sometimes as a sign of unhappiness.
Can withdrawn describe things as well as people?
Yes. Besides meaning quiet and unsociable, withdrawn can mean taken out of use, circulation, or consideration, as in a withdrawn product or a withdrawn offer.
Is withdrawn the past participle of withdraw?
Yes. Withdrawn is the past participle of the verb withdraw, but it also works as an adjective describing someone who is quiet and reluctant to socialize, or something removed from use.
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