shirk
verb (used with object)
to evade (work, duty, responsibility, etc.).
have shirked
-
present perfectof shirk.present perfect
Used to describe actions that started in the past and continue into or have direct relevance to the present.
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.
Fish and Wildlife Service have shirked their responsibility to count the Mexican spotted owl as part of a recovery plan and no longer can use budget concerns as an excuse.
From Seattle Times ● Sep. 19, 2019
In her case, some of the public seem to have shirked that responsibility.
From The Guardian ● Dec. 2, 2018
In failing to make a formal complaint at the time, she said, “I may have shirked a duty,” may have used poor judgment.
From Washington Times ● Sep. 26, 2018
Beyond the responsibility that social media platforms have shirked in allowing their spaces to be polluted by fiction masquerading as fact, there is little to prevent the spread of fake news.
From Washington Post ● Dec. 6, 2016
Poor Wyndham would fain have shirked his duty, had he been allowed to do it.
From The Willoughby Captains by Reed, Talbot Baines
