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Shirking Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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shirking

[ˈʃɜːrkɪŋ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

avoiding responsibilities

Shirking refers to the act of avoiding or neglecting a responsibility or duty. It often implies a deliberate choice to evade obligations that one is expected to fulfill. This behavior is commonly observed in work or academic settings where individuals may try to escape tasks or chores. Shirking can lead to negative consequences, both for the individual and the group they are a part of, as it creates an imbalance of effort and productivity.

Synonyms

avoid, dodge, evade, skimp.

Examples of usage

  • He was caught shirking his duties at work.
  • Students who are shirking their studies will face consequences.
  • It's not fair to shirk your responsibilities during group projects.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Shirking can be linked to procrastination, where individuals delay duties to avoid stress.
  • Research shows people often shirk in group settings, assuming others will take on the work, a phenomenon known as social loafing.

Workplace Dynamics

  • In a professional environment, shirking can lead to decreased team morale and productivity.
  • Employers often look for signs of avoidance behavior to address work engagement and accountability.

Cultural References

  • The concept of shirking is often humorously depicted in cartoons where characters cleverly avoid doing chores.
  • In many stories, characters who shirk responsibilities eventually face consequences, emphasizing the importance of accountability.

Historical Context

  • During the Industrial Revolution, shirking became an important topic as workers negotiated fair labor practices.
  • In military history, shirking can refer to avoiding duty, which has often been seen as a serious offense in armed forces over time.

Origin of 'shirking'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old English 'scierran', meaning to 'cut off' or 'flinch'.
  • Initially, it suggested avoiding tasks; its use evolved in the 19th century to describe avoiding responsibility.

The term 'shirking' has its origins in the English language dating back to the early 17th century. It likely stems from the Middle English word 'shireken,' meaning to shake off or shirk. The word has evolved over time to represent the act of avoiding responsibilities or duties. In many cultural contexts, shirking has often been viewed negatively, associating it with laziness or irresponsibility. As society began to emphasize accountability and productivity, the implications of shirking also became more pronounced, particularly in organizational and educational settings. Today, it encompasses a range of behaviors from simple procrastination to overt negligence of duties.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,897, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.