shirk
verb (used with object)
to evade (work, duty, responsibility, etc.).
were shirking
-
past progressiveof shirk.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
Senators could choose to skip the proceedings, but then would likely have to contend with accusations they were shirking their constitutional responsibility.
From New York Times ● Nov. 14, 2019
As enrollment fell, many teachers were no longer needed, and Mr. Taveras said he also sought to remove teachers who were shirking their duties.
From New York Times ● Jun. 3, 2018
Yet even most of those who spoke against the withdrawal resolution acknowledged that lawmakers were shirking their constitutional duties and needed to do something about it.
From Washington Post ● Jun. 17, 2015
She cited as one example the two nap rooms available for Huffington Post employees, which employees were at first afraid to use because they feared it looked as if they were shirking their duties.
From New York Times ● Jun. 14, 2013
"I feel so useless—and as if I were shirking," she persisted.
From The Grain of Dust by Phillips, David Graham
