shirk
What does "shirk" mean?
To shirk means to avoid or neglect a duty, responsibility, or obligation, often because one is lazy or afraid. The mental image is of someone physically shrinking away from a task or slipping out the back door just as work is being assigned. It is typically used in formal or serious contexts to describe someone who is failing to meet their expectations. It is frequently followed by the preposition "responsibility" or "duty," as in "shirking one's responsibilities."
"shirk" in conversation
Workplace frustration
Why is the report still unfinished?
Why is the report still unfinished?
I think he’s shirking his duties again.
I think he’s shirking his duties again.
Used to describe a colleague avoiding work.
Academic setting
I can't just shirk my studying before the finals.
I can't just shirk my studying before the finals.
True, you'll regret it later.
True, you'll regret it later.
Used in the context of personal responsibility.
"shirk" in a sentence
He never shirks his chores.
He never shirks his chores.
The student tried to shirk his academic responsibilities during the busy semester.
The student tried to shirk his academic responsibilities during the busy semester.
It is irresponsible for a leader to shirk their duty when the organization faces a crisis.
It is irresponsible for a leader to shirk their duty when the organization faces a crisis.
