Word
shrinking
Phoneticsshrink·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈʃɹɪŋkɪŋ/
UK/ʃɹˈɪŋkɪŋ/
Definitions
01getting smaller
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. becoming smaller in size, amount, or value.
adj. undergoing a reduction in physical dimensions, volume, or quantity.
“The company is struggling to survive in a shrinking market.”
“The shrinking polar ice caps serve as a stark visual indicator of the accelerating pace of global climate change.”
Synonyms
02shy and timid
C1 · Advanced Literary
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.
“He was no shrinking violet and always spoke his mind in meetings.”
“Despite her reputation as a shrinking wallflower in social settings, she was a fierce and articulate advocate in the courtroom.”
Usage
Commonly found in the idiomatic expression 'shrinking violet'.
03the process of getting smaller
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. the act of something becoming smaller.
n. the action or process of physical contraction or reduction in size.
“You can prevent the shrinking of your wool sweaters by washing them in cold water.”
“The rapid shrinking of the lake has caused significant distress to the local fishing communities that rely on its waters.”
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“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.” Etymology
From shrink + -ing.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Idioms
01. shrinking violet
- 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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