C1verb 2K

Shrink

🇬🇧 UK /["/ʃrɪŋk/","/ʃrɪŋks/","/ʃræŋk/","/ʃrʌŋk/","/ˈʃrɪŋkɪŋ/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/ʃrɪŋk/","/ʃrɪŋks/","/ʃræŋk/","/ʃrʌŋk/","/ˈʃrɪŋkɪŋ/"]/

Meaning of Shrink

to become smaller, especially when washed in water that is too hot; to make clothes, cloth, etc. smaller in this way

In simple words: to make something smaller or to become smaller

Shrink in a sentence

• If you wash that sweater in hot water, it will shrink.
• Many companies have had to shrink their workforce due to budget cuts.
• The company tried to shrink its product line to focus on bestsellers.
• When exposed to heat, the plastic will shrink and become deformed.
• After several washings, the cotton shirt began to shrink noticeably.
• The population of the town is expected to shrink over the next decade.
• He started to shrink from social gatherings after moving to a new city.
• As the material cooled, it did not shrink as much as predicted.

How to use Shrink

Use 'shrink' when talking about clothes getting smaller after washing or when describing anything reducing in size. Avoid using it in very formal contexts.

Grammar pattern

shrink + object

Memory hint

Think of a sweater 'shrinking' in the wash and getting tighter.

Related words

Collocations with Shrink

• considerably
• dramatically
• significantly
• by
• from
• to
• shrink in size
• a little
• visibly
• instinctively
• try to
• against
• in
• into

Synonyms for Shrink

• cower

Opposites of Shrink

• expand
• grow
• inflate

Common mistakes with Shrink

• Confused with 'shrank' as the past tense — remember 'shrunk' is the past participle.
• Using 'shrink' incorrectly with inanimate objects that can't physically shrink.
• Mixing up 'shrink' with 'squeeze' — they have different meanings.

Frequently asked questions about Shrink

What does Shrink mean?

to make something smaller or to become smaller

What is the definition of Shrink?

to become smaller, especially when washed in water that is too hot; to make clothes, cloth, etc. smaller in this way

How do you use Shrink in a sentence?

If you wash that sweater in hot water, it will shrink.

Can you give another example of Shrink?

Many companies have had to shrink their workforce due to budget cuts.

What are synonyms for Shrink?

Common alternatives include cower.

What is the opposite of Shrink?

Opposite meanings include expand, grow, inflate.

What words go with Shrink?

It commonly pairs with considerably, dramatically, significantly, by, from, to, shrink in size, a little, visibly, instinctively, try to, against, in, into.

What are common mistakes when using Shrink?

Confused with 'shrank' as the past tense — remember 'shrunk' is the past participle. Using 'shrink' incorrectly with inanimate objects that can't physically shrink. Mixing up 'shrink' with 'squeeze' — they have different meanings.

How do you pronounce Shrink?

US: /["/ʃrɪŋk/","/ʃrɪŋks/","/ʃræŋk/","/ʃrʌŋk/","/ˈʃrɪŋkɪŋ/"]/, UK: /["/ʃrɪŋk/","/ʃrɪŋks/","/ʃræŋk/","/ʃrʌŋk/","/ˈʃrɪŋkɪŋ/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Shrink?

Use 'shrink' when talking about clothes getting smaller after washing or when describing anything reducing in size. Avoid using it in very formal contexts.

What CEFR level is Shrink?

"Shrink" is at C1 level on the CEFR scale.