shirk responsibility

USAGE SUMMARY

'shirk responsibility' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to a person or persons avoiding or ignoring their obligations or duties. For example: The student was accused of shirking responsibility when he failed to complete his assigned essay.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

This is just the latest in a long string of recent responses to the issue that shirk responsibility for the content that users consume and share on Facebook.

TechCrunch

But he cannot shirk responsibility.

The Economist

"It's impermissible for them to want to shirk responsibility.

The New York Times

There are always those who mistake freedom for license and shirk responsibility.

The New York Times

When things go to pieces, we shirk responsibility and seek other explanations.

The New Yorker

When people are insecure, they tend to shirk responsibility for their mistakes, she says.

The New York Times

But PETA is outraged by what we see as his cavalier attempts to shirk responsibility.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

I think they'll feel ownership of the project and empowerment, rather than see an opportunity to shirk responsibilities.

Huffington Post

She was not shirking responsibility.

The New York Times

Yet foreign governments have shirked responsibility.

The Guardian

Instead the GOP accuses President Obama of shirking responsibility.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "shirk responsibility" when you want to emphasize the act of deliberately avoiding a duty or obligation that one should rightfully fulfill.

Common error

While "shirk responsibility" is widely understood, be mindful of its slightly negative connotation and consider more neutral alternatives like "decline to take responsibility" in formal settings where a less judgmental tone is preferred.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shirk responsibility" functions as a verb phrase, typically used with a subject to indicate the action of avoiding or evading one's duties or obligations. As Ludwig AI confirms, it correctly conveys the act of neglecting duties.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "shirk responsibility" is a commonly used phrase that describes the act of avoiding or evading one's duties or obligations. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely accepted in written English. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media sources, but also appears in academic and scientific writing. While it conveys a clear meaning, writers should be mindful of its slightly negative connotation and consider more neutral alternatives in formal contexts. By understanding its usage and context, writers can effectively communicate disapproval or criticism towards those who fail to fulfill their responsibilities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

evade responsibility

Focuses on actively avoiding responsibility, similar to shirk but implies a more deliberate action.

dodge responsibility

Suggests a quick or clever way of avoiding responsibility, often implying a lack of seriousness.

avoid accountability

Highlights the act of sidestepping being held accountable for one's actions.

sidestep duties

Emphasizes the avoidance of specific duties or tasks.

neglect obligations

Focuses on failing to fulfill one's obligations, implying a lack of care or attention.

decline to take responsibility

A more formal way of expressing the refusal to accept responsibility.

pass the buck

An informal idiom that means to shift responsibility to someone else.

cop out

An informal term for avoiding a responsibility or commitment, often due to fear or laziness.

abdicate responsibility

Suggests a formal or complete relinquishment of responsibility, often used in contexts of leadership or authority.

fail to own up

Highlights the failure to acknowledge or admit responsibility for something.

FAQs

How can I use "shirk responsibility" in a sentence?

You can use "shirk responsibility" to describe someone avoiding their duties. For example, "The manager tried to shirk responsibility for the project's failure."

What does it mean to "shirk responsibility"?

To "shirk responsibility" means to avoid or neglect a duty or obligation that one is expected to fulfill. It implies a deliberate attempt to evade accountability.

What are some synonyms for "shirk responsibility"?

Alternatives to "shirk responsibility" include "evade responsibility", "dodge responsibility", or "avoid accountability". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to "shirk responsibility" or "take responsibility"?

Taking responsibility is generally viewed as a positive trait, while to "shirk responsibility" is seen negatively. Choosing to "take responsibility" demonstrates accountability and integrity.