Definition

1. Verb (transitive):

   • To avoid or neglect (a duty, responsibility, or task), especially because it is difficult, unpleasant, or requires effort.
   • To evade the performance of an obligation.

2. Verb (intransitive):

   • To evade work, duty, or responsibility.

Usage

• Transitive verb: Used with a direct object (e.g., a duty, task, responsibility).
  • You must not shirk your responsibilities.
• Intransitive verb: Used without a direct object.
  • He has a tendency to shirk when the work gets hard.

Examples

• Transitive usage:
  • The manager accused the employee of shirking his duties.
  • She never shirks a challenge.
  • They were punished for shirking their assigned tasks.
• Intransitive usage:
  • He is known to shirk whenever possible.
  • A good team member does not shirk.

Advanced Usage

• "to shirk from something": A less common but acceptable phrasal construction emphasizing the act of evasion.
  • He shirked from his obligations.
• Used in formal or professional contexts to describe negligent behavior.

Variants and Related Words

• Shirker (noun): A person who avoids work or duty.
  • He was labeled a shirker by his colleagues.
• Shirking (gerund/noun): The act of avoiding duty.
  • Shirking is not tolerated in this organization.

Synonyms

• Evade: To escape or avoid, especially by cleverness or trickery.
• Neglect: To fail to care for or give proper attention to.
• Avoid: To keep away from or stop oneself from doing something.
• Dodge: To avoid (someone or something) by a sudden quick movement; to evade artfully.
• Skive (British informal): To avoid work or duty by staying away or leaving early.

Related Phrasal Verbs / Constructions

• Shirk off: Similar to "shirk," meaning to avoid or put aside (a responsibility). This form is less common.
  • He tried to shirk off the blame onto others.

Related Idioms

• To shirk one's duty/responsibility: The most common idiomatic construction.
  • It is dishonorable to shirk one's duty.
• No shirking allowed: A phrase used to emphasize that avoidance of work will not be accepted.
  • On this project, there's no shirking allowed.

Verb

1. avoid dealing with
   • She shirks her duties
2. avoid (one's assigned duties)
   • The derelict soldier shirked his duties