shirk
/ʃə:k/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
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.
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
- avoid dealing with
- She shirks her duties
- avoid (one's assigned duties)
- The derelict soldier shirked his duties