Word
contracting
Phoneticscon·tract·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈkɑntɹæktɪŋ/
UK/kəntɹˈæktɪŋ/
Definitions
01becoming smaller
B2 · Upper Intermediate Science
v. becoming smaller or shorter, like a muscle or a piece of metal when it cools.
v. the process of becoming smaller, shorter, or tighter. This sense is often used in scientific or physiological contexts.
“The metal is contracting because of the cold winter air.”
“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.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02catching an illness
C1 · Advanced Medicine Formal
v. catching a disease or becoming ill.
v. the act of becoming infected with a disease. This usage is more formal than 'catching' or 'getting'.
“He is worried about contracting the flu during his long flight.”
“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.
03making a legal agreement
B2 · Upper Intermediate Law Formal
v. making a formal or legal agreement with someone to do work.
v. entering into a formal or legally binding agreement. This can refer to the act of hiring someone or being hired.
“The city is contracting a local firm to build the new bridge.”
“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.
04shrinking
C1 · Advanced Academic
adj. getting smaller in size or amount.
adj. describing something that is currently in the process of becoming smaller or less extensive.
“The company is struggling because it operates in a contracting market.”
“Economists are concerned about the contracting money supply and its potential impact on consumer spending over the next fiscal year.”
Synonyms
05freelance work
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. working for different companies on short-term projects rather than having one permanent job.
n. the practice of working as an independent contractor rather than a permanent employee.
“After twenty years in an office, she decided to try contracting from home.”
“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.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“Your policy may also have a waiting period, meaning that this test might not be included within the first three to six months of contracting your insurance.” “Here’s why health officials are so concerned about this deadly infection – and ways to avoid contracting it.” Word family
VERB
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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