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Shirked: meaning, definitions and examples

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shirked

 

[ʃɜːrk ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

avoiding responsibility

To shirk means to evade or avoid a responsibility, duty, or task. The term often implies a deliberate avoidance, suggesting that the individual has the means or ability to fulfill the obligation but chooses not to do so. This can apply to work, chores, or other commitments. Shirked responsibilities can lead to negative consequences, both personally and in the context of a group or team. It's commonly used in discussions about work ethics or performing one's duties.

Synonyms

avoid, dodge, evade, neglect, shun.

Examples of usage

  • He shirked his duties at work.
  • She always tries to shirk household chores.
  • Don't shirk your responsibilities during the project.
  • It's not fair to shirk your share of the work.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'shirk' comes from the early 19th century, rooted in dialects of England, meaning to evade.
  • Originally, it may have derived from the Old Norse word 'skirkr', which meant to ‘to turn away’ or ‘to dodge’.

Cultural Insight

  • In many cultures, shirking responsibilities can lead to negative consequences, often punished through social ostracism.
  • The concept of 'shirked duties' is depicted humorously in various films, often playing into the trope of the lazy character.

Psychology

  • People often shirk responsibilities due to fear of failure or perfectionism, preferring to avoid tasks rather than face potential criticism.
  • The phenomenon of social loafing illustrates how individuals may shirk effort when working in groups, relying on others to perform tasks.

Business

  • In professional settings, shirking can lead to team dysfunction and decreased overall productivity.
  • Many companies implement accountability measures to counteract the tendency to shirk responsibilities within teams.

Literature

  • Shirking responsibilities is a common theme in literature, often leading to character development and moral lessons.
  • Classic works, like those by Charles Dickens, frequently highlight the consequences of avoiding personal obligations.

Translations

Translations of the word "shirked" in other languages:

🇵🇹 esquivou

🇮🇳 टालना

🇩🇪 ausweichen

🇮🇩 menghindari

🇺🇦 ухилився

🇵🇱 unikał

🇯🇵 逃げた

🇫🇷 évitait

🇪🇸 esquivó

🇹🇷 kaçtı

🇰🇷 피했다

🇸🇦 تجنب

🇨🇿 vyhnul se

🇸🇰 vyhol

🇨🇳 逃避了

🇸🇮 izognil

🇮🇸 forðast

🇰🇿 қашып кетті

🇬🇪 გაქცევა

🇦🇿 qaçdı

🇲🇽 esquivó

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,593 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.