shrink
verb (used without object)
to draw back, as in retreat or avoidance.
have been shrinking
-
present perfect progressiveof shrink.present perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that began in the past, has continued continuously, and is still in progress.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Beijing’s support could help stabilize sentiment in formula, nutrition, and baby-care categories that have been shrinking with the birthrate.
From Barron's ● Mar. 30, 2026
On the West Coast, the San Francisco Fed reported, some companies have been shrinking their payrolls either through layoffs or attrition.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 4, 2026
The company’s global vehicle sales fell in 2024, the first such decline in its history, and its profit margins have been shrinking.
From Slate ● Feb. 12, 2025
Black farmers have been shrinking in numbers amid economic obstacles and difficulty getting loans.
From New York Times ● Jun. 17, 2024
Practice on the unpleasant tasks—do the things that you have before you, and from which you have been shrinking because they were unpleasant.
From A Series of Lessons in Raja Yoga by William Walker Atkinson
