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.

His analysis held Hong Kong insiders accountable when they abused their power or shirked their responsibilities, whether they were corporate managers or government officials.

From Barron's • Apr. 7, 2026

“Rather than implement industry-standard detection tools used by its peers, Apple repeatedly shirked their responsibility to protect children under the guise of user privacy,” the West Virginia Attorney General’s Office said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 19, 2026

But when one vice signals, the out-group’s values take center stage — in order to be shirked rather than lived up to.

From Salon • Jan. 29, 2026

On the other hand, England under Stokes and McCullum have not shirked big selection decisions.

From BBC • May 29, 2025

But as soon as a certain novelty and pleasure in emotion ceased the feeling itself was shirked, at whatever expense to others.

From Diana Tempest, Volume I (of 3) by Cholmondeley, Mary