shedding

USAGE SUMMARY

'shedding' is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it in the context of letting something go, such as the shedding of old beliefs or the shedding of one's skin. For example, you could use the sentence: "She began shedding her old ways of thinking to try something new."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

BBC local radio was among the biggest losers in today's Rajar figures, shedding around 1 in 10 of its listeners compared with the same quarter last year, down from 10.2% to 9.3%.

The Guardian

The Labor Department figures signalled some pressure on businesses from a strong dollar, which makes US exports more expensive, with the goods-producing sector (which includes energy and construction as well as manufacturing) shedding 13,000 jobs in March – the biggest drop for almost two years.

The Guardian - Business

In particular, there was evidence of the recent sharp falls in oil prices hitting employment in the extractive sector, with mining shedding more than 11,000 jobs last month.

The Guardian - Business

But the message behind those images is nothing new: in the music industry, sex sells, especially when you're a young woman, and preferably when shedding the constricting cocoon of child/teen stardom.

The Guardian - Opinion

Although Lyon is shedding its insularity and deference to Paris, it is still a racially divided place and very much a work-in-progress to become a truly cosmopolitan city.

The Guardian

Just as Mr Morsi committed the fatal error of alienating potential allies, his successors are steadily shedding friends and supporters.

The Economist

Shedding those obligations would, in theory, create a vast and profitable bank, with all the residual benefits that might bring to the listing American economy.Whether the courts would allow BofA to make a clean getaway from Countrywide is far from clear, however.

The Economist

Again, this is most apparent in Europe, where banks have been shedding loans and bonds in troubled peripheral economies.

The Economist

Construction firms are shedding workers at an unprecedented rate.

The Economist

When a start-up is shedding $5m a year and has only $2m in the bank, as is typically the case, its managers find their negotiating power somewhat weakened.

The Economist

Now it is shedding large shareholdings in such industries as computers, furniture and food.This process, known as "unbundling", is just getting started.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "shedding" when you want to convey the idea of getting rid of something gradually or naturally, like "shedding" old habits or responsibilities. It's particularly useful when describing a process of change or transformation.

Common error

Avoid using "shedding" to describe actions that are sudden or abrupt. "Shedding" implies a gradual process. Instead of saying "The company shed its entire workforce overnight", consider using "laid off" or "dismissed".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "shedding" is as a verb, specifically in its present participle form. It describes an ongoing action of releasing or getting rid of something, as shown in Ludwig's examples such as "shedding jobs" or "shedding light."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "shedding" is a versatile term primarily used as a verb to describe the process of getting rid of something, whether tangible or intangible. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media contexts. While it implies a gradual removal, avoid using it for sudden actions. Consider alternatives like "eliminating" or "reducing" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. The phrase maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for both formal and informal communication. Remember to use "shedding" when you want to convey the idea of getting rid of something gradually or naturally.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

getting rid of

Focuses on actively eliminating something unwanted.

doing away with

Suggests a more formal or decisive removal.

weeding out

Emphasizes the removal of undesirable elements from a group.

cutting back on

Implies a reduction in quantity or expenditure.

scaling down

Indicates a reduction in size or scope.

trimming down

Focuses on making something leaner or more efficient by removing excess.

paring down

Similar to trimming, but often used for more meticulous reductions.

reducing

A general term for making something smaller or less.

dropping

Suggests a sudden or abrupt removal.

eliminating

Implies a complete and thorough removal.

FAQs

How is "shedding" typically used in a sentence?

"Shedding" is often used to describe the act of getting rid of something, whether physical (like "shedding" skin) or abstract (like "shedding" old beliefs). For example, "The company is "shedding jobs" to reduce costs".

What words can I use in place of "shedding"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "eliminating", "reducing", or "getting rid of". Each carries slightly different nuances.

Is it better to use "shedding" or "eliminating" in a business context?

While both can work, "shedding" often implies a more gradual or natural process of reduction, whereas "eliminating" suggests a more decisive and immediate removal. The best choice depends on the specific situation you're describing.

What's the difference between "shedding" and "losing"?

"Shedding" implies a deliberate act of getting rid of something, while "losing" often suggests something is being taken away unwillingly or accidentally. For instance, a snake sheds its skin, but a company loses money.