What does "contracting" mean?

1. (becoming smaller) becoming smaller or shorter, like a muscle or a piece of metal when it cools. 2. (catching an illness) catching a disease or becoming ill. 3. (making a legal agreement) making a formal or legal agreement with someone to do work. 4. (shrinking) getting smaller in size or amount. 5. (freelance work) working for different companies on short-term projects rather than having one permanent job.

How do you use "contracting"?

Often used in the continuous form to describe an ongoing physical process. Takes a direct object, usually a specific named disease or condition. Often used with 'out' when a company hires an external party to do work. Uncountable when referring to the professional lifestyle or industry.

contracting

v. · adj. · n.

US //ˈkɑntɹæktɪŋ// UK //kəntɹˈæktɪŋ// con·tract·ing

1 becoming smaller (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Science

becoming smaller or shorter, like a muscle or a piece of metal when it cools.

the process of becoming smaller, shorter, or tighter. This sense is often used in scientific or physiological contexts.

Example

The metal is contracting because of the cold winter air.

Example

By contracting the abdominal muscles during the exercise, you provide better support for your lower back and improve your posture.

Usage

Often used in the continuous form to describe an ongoing physical process.
- shrinking
- tightening
- expanding
2 catching an illness (v.)
C1 Advanced Formal Medicine

catching a disease or becoming ill.

the act of becoming infected with a disease. This usage is more formal than 'catching' or 'getting'.

Example

He is worried about contracting the flu during his long flight.

Example

The report highlighted the increased risk of contracting tropical diseases when traveling in regions with poor water sanitation.

Usage

Takes a direct object, usually a specific named disease or condition.
- catching
- acquiring

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3 making a legal agreement (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Formal Law

making a formal or legal agreement with someone to do work.

entering into a formal or legally binding agreement. This can refer to the act of hiring someone or being hired.

Example

The city is contracting a local firm to build the new bridge.

Example

The government is contracting out several administrative services to private companies to reduce long-term operational costs.

Usage

Often used with 'out' when a company hires an external party to do work.
- agreeing
- pledging
4 shrinking (adj.)
C1 Advanced Academic

getting smaller in size or amount.

describing something that is currently in the process of becoming smaller or less extensive.

Example

The company is struggling because it operates in a contracting market.

Example

Economists are concerned about the contracting money supply and its potential impact on consumer spending over the next fiscal year.
- shrinking
- diminishing
- expanding
- growing
5 freelance work (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

working for different companies on short-term projects rather than having one permanent job.

the practice of working as an independent contractor rather than a permanent employee.

Example

After twenty years in an office, she decided to try contracting from home.

Example

Contracting offers higher daily rates than permanent roles, but it requires the individual to manage their own taxes and insurance.

Usage

Uncountable when referring to the professional lifestyle or industry.
- freelancing
- consulting
- employment