shrinking
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
adj.becoming smaller in size, amount, or value.
adj.undergoing a reduction in physical dimensions, volume, or quantity.
Simple“The company is struggling to survive in a shrinking market.”
In context“The shrinking polar ice caps serve as a stark visual indicator of the accelerating pace of global climate change.”
Synonyms - 02 C1 Advanced
adj.very shy and modest; someone who does not want to be noticed.
adj.tending to avoid notice or attention; characterized by extreme shyness or modesty.
Simple“He was no shrinking violet and always spoke his mind in meetings.”
In context“Despite her reputation as a shrinking wallflower in social settings, she was a fierce and articulate advocate in the courtroom.”
UsageCommonly found in the idiomatic expression 'shrinking violet'.
- 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.the act of something becoming smaller.
n.the action or process of physical contraction or reduction in size.
Simple“You can prevent the shrinking of your wool sweaters by washing them in cold water.”
In context“The rapid shrinking of the lake has caused significant distress to the local fishing communities that rely on its waters.”
Synonyms
“A steam tugboat wreck over 100 years old and an ancient Roman bridge have emerged from shrinking waters as Europe suffers its worse drought in 70 years.”
“The findings were sobering: grasslands are shrinking as invasive plants spread and droughts hit harder and more often, leaving less time for the land to recover.”
From shrink + -ing.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.