shirk

American  

[shurk] / ʃɜrk /

verb (used with object)

1. to evade (work, duty, responsibility, etc.).

   Synonyms:

   dodge, avoid, shun

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verb (used without object)

1. to evade work, duty, etc.

noun

1. a shirker.

shirk ¹ British  

/ ʃɪːk /

noun

1. Islam

   1. the fundamental sin of regarding anything as equal to Allah

   2. any belief that is considered to be in opposition to Allah and Islam

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shirk ² British  

/ ʃɜːk /

verb

1. to avoid discharging (work, a duty, etc); evade

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noun

1. a person who shirks

Other Word Forms

• unshirked adjective
• unshirking adjective

Etymology

Origin of shirk

First recorded in 1625–35; obscurely akin to shark ²

Example Sentences

The government's counsel, Jenkin Suen, told the inquiry that authorities would not shirk responsibility and pledged "systemic reforms".

From Barron's • Mar. 24, 2026

And yet, both Andie and Iona shirk their individuality for stability, leaving those singular, oh-so-charming elements of their characters in the dust when wealthy men come calling.

From Salon • Feb. 28, 2026

There’s a spiritual community that uses spirituality to shirk responsibility.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 11, 2025

Courts can step in, he said, only if prosecutors have bad-faith reasons for such decisions, such as taking bribes or wanting to shirk their work.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 6, 2025

“Do not be seduced by false glamour; do not shirk your duties; do not wander off alone into the Wood at night.”

From "Ash" by Malinda Lo