shirk
verb (used with object)
to evade (work, duty, responsibility, etc.).
shirked
-
past participleof shirk.past participle
A verb form used in perfect and passive verb constructions and that can also function as a modifier.
-
past tense formof shirk.past tense
Used to describe completed actions or previous habitual actions.
shirkverb (used with object)to evade (work, duty, responsibility, etc.).
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.
In Mr. Scott’s telling, Truman is a scaled-down version of David McCullough’s everyman hero: a political pugilist who, despite inner doubts, never shirked the hard moral decisions.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 31, 2026
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
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
None of the trio shirked their responsibility, delivering a lion-hearted effort on Saturday in particular.
From BBC ● Aug. 2, 2025
George accepted the situation, asked no favours, and shirked no duty, but lived in the forecastle, and fared as the rest fared there.
From The Twa Miss Dawsons by Margaret M. (Margaret Murray) Robertson
