shrink

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "shrink" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It can be used as a verb to mean "to become smaller or to diminish," or it can be used as a noun to refer to a "therapist or psychiatrist." Example sentence: The T-shirt shrank after being put through the wash.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The more likely it seems that they won't get a second term, the more eager they are to press on with their project to outsource, shrink and commercialise as much of the state as they can.

The Guardian - Opinion

One possible response: dismantle or at least shrink the eurozone to such an extent that rules become credible (even though advocates of a "neuro", a northern eurozone, tend to forget that "northern" chancellor Gerhard Schröder, in alliance with France and Italy, was instrumental in first weakening the rules in 2005).

The Guardian - Opinion

"You can grow out of excessive debt, you cannot shrink out of excessive debt".

The Guardian - Business

Where ministers ordinarily shrink from lambasting civil servants, who can't answer back, Gove laid into the Home Office security chief, Charles Farr.

The Guardian

There were these opportunities to play on a bigger pitch, but we thought we could get away with the one-nil win, 35%, shrink the offer".

The Guardian

Funding will be a challenge, particularly in FE colleges, with budgets set to shrink, while pupil numbers will increase.

The Guardian

Shrink it if you want to but then explain to the builder, restaurant owner, hotel manager and cleaners who benefit from the income they create why they have to take a cut in their living standards.

The Guardian - Opinion

Fossil fuel being a finite resource, you might assume that proven reserves would shrink each year as we all fill up our cars and heat our homes.

The Guardian

Would London's rental sector shrink at a time when it needs to expand?

The Guardian

It will "shrink the rental sector," he says, just as Mayor Johnson does at every opportunity.

The Guardian

The Tories would keep their one current seat, and the crop of Scottish Lib Dem MPs would shrink from 11 to three, with casualties including the chief secretary to the Treasury, Danny Alexander.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "shrink" in business contexts, clearly specify what is shrinking (e.g., "shrink" the budget, "shrink" the workforce) for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "shrink" interchangeably with "reduce" without considering the nuance. "Shrink" often implies a contraction or becoming smaller, while "reduce" can refer to lessening in degree or amount without necessarily changing physical size.

Linguistic Context

The word "shrink" functions primarily as a verb, indicating a process of becoming smaller or causing something to become smaller. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status, reinforcing its role in expressing reduction. This is evident in examples like "The dryer shrank my sweater" or "Funding will be a challenge, particularly in FE colleges, with budgets set to shrink".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "shrink" is a versatile word functioning mainly as a verb to denote a reduction in size, amount, or scope. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage and grammatical correctness, supported by numerous examples across various contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media and Formal & Business sources, it maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse communications. While alternatives like "decrease" or "diminish" exist, "shrink" offers a specific connotation of contraction or becoming smaller. Awareness of its nuanced meaning and appropriate register ensures effective and precise communication. The word's versatility also allows it to be used as a noun to refer to a psychiatrist or therapist.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Become smaller

Focuses on the process of decreasing in size.

Contract

Implies a reduction in size or scope, often with a sense of tightening.

Diminish

Suggests a gradual decrease in size, importance, or intensity.

Decrease

A general term for becoming less in quantity or size.

Reduce

To make something smaller or less in amount, degree, or size.

Lessen

To make something less significant or smaller.

Wane

Indicates a decline in power, influence, or extent.

Subside

Implies a decrease in intensity or amount, often after a period of activity.

Dwindle

To diminish gradually in size, amount, or strength.

Abate

Suggests a reduction in intensity or degree.

FAQs

How can I use "shrink" in a sentence?

You can use "shrink" to describe something becoming smaller, such as "The sweater will "shrink" after washing". It can also refer to reducing something, like "We need to "shrink" our expenses".

What words can I use instead of "shrink"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "shrink" include "decrease", "diminish", "contract", or "reduce".

Is it correct to say "shrink out of debt"?

The phrase "shrink out of debt" is sometimes used, but it's generally considered less effective than growing out of debt. It implies that reducing spending alone is insufficient to solve debt problems.

What's the difference between "shrink" and "reduce"?

"Shrink" typically implies a physical reduction in size or amount, while "reduce" is more general and can apply to abstract concepts like costs or risks. For example, you can "reduce" your debt or "shrink" a garment.