Word
shrunk
US/ˈʃɹəŋk/
UK/ʃɹˈʌŋk/
Definition
adj. smaller than it used to be, usually because it was washed in hot water.
adj. reduced in size or volume, typically as a result of heat, moisture, or contraction. Often used predicatively to describe the state of a garment or material.
Examples
“My favorite sweater is shrunk and no longer fits.”
“The laundry instructions warn that the fabric will look shrunk if you use a high-heat drying cycle.”
“The market for traditional film cameras has shrunk significantly since the advent of high-resolution smartphones, leaving only a niche group of dedicated hobbyists.”
Examples
simple
“My favorite sweater is shrunk and no longer fits.”
contextual
“The laundry instructions warn that the fabric will look shrunk if you use a high-heat drying cycle.”
complex
“The market for traditional film cameras has shrunk significantly since the advent of high-resolution smartphones, leaving only a niche group of dedicated hobbyists.”
Usage
While technically a past participle of 'shrink', it frequently functions as a predicative adjective following linking verbs like 'is', 'looks', or 'seems'.
Pitfall
The shirt has shrank
The shirt has shrunk
Learners often confuse the simple past 'shrank' with the past participle 'shrunk' used after the auxiliary verb 'have'.
- 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.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL 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: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/shrunk