# contracting

/ˈkɑntɹæktɪŋ/ (US) · /kəntɹˈæktɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/contracting
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. becoming smaller

verb · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: 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.

### 2. catching an illness

verb · CEFR C1 · Formal

catching a disease or becoming ill.

For teachers: 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.

### 3. making a legal agreement

verb · CEFR B2 · Formal

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

For teachers: 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.

### 4. shrinking

adjective · CEFR C1 · Academic

getting smaller in size or amount.

For teachers: 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.

### 5. freelance work

noun · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The metal is contracting because of the cold weather.
- After contracting the virus during his travels, he had to stay home for two weeks to recover.
- The economy is expected to begin contracting next quarter as high interest rates finally dampen consumer spending and reduce the overall volume of industrial production.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.