shrinking

USAGE SUMMARY

'shrinking' is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it as a verb to refer to something becoming or being made smaller or to refer to something gradually decreasing in size, number, or amount. For example: "Over the past decade, the population of the town has been shrinking."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The population is shrinking.

The Economist

But it's not at all clear that the number of jobs created by, say, an expanding solar industry would be greater than the number lost through, say, a shrinking coal-mining industry.

The Economist

Reports suggest an extra 250,000 primary places are needed this year, and with land costs escalating in inner cities and budgets shrinking, fulfilling the need will be difficult, but it is right to say that it should not be done by allowing class sizes to creep upwards.

The Guardian

US gross domestic product (GDP), the broadest measure of the general economy, contracted for the first time in three years in early 2014, shrinking at an annual rate of 1% during the first quarter, the Commerce Department said last month.

The Guardian - Business

Shrinking because despite relatively low interest rates and falling fuel prices, staples such as food continue to rise.

The Guardian

It should by now be perfectly obvious to everyone that the Tory party is using the deficit scare as the justification for a rightwing agenda that involves shrinking the state at the expense of the most vulnerable in society.

The Guardian - Business

However, it has been shrinking since, and the two main parties were virtually tied as Osborne got on his feet.

The Guardian

As you get older, more and more people look young, and she proved not to be a student but a 'real person' clinging on to one of the shrinking number of houses not turned over to youthful multiple occupation.

The Guardian

We are being hit by a double whammy: shrinking budgets and organisational instability.

The Guardian

"Our population is growing, the needs of that population are changing and becoming more demanding, and the resources the city has to meet them are shrinking.

The Guardian

However, this year the holiday weekend has a special poignancy, because the number of people who can remember what happened 70 years ago is shrinking fast.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing trends, use "shrinking" to vividly illustrate a decline in numbers, resources, or influence. For example, "The company's market share is shrinking rapidly."

Common error

Avoid confusing "shrinking", which means becoming smaller, with "shirking", which means avoiding responsibility or duty. Ensure the context clearly indicates a decrease in size or amount, not an evasion of responsibilities.

Linguistic Context

The term "shrinking" functions primarily as a present participle, often used to describe something in the process of becoming smaller or diminishing. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts, as shown in the examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "shrinking" is a versatile present participle used to describe the process of something becoming smaller, diminishing, or contracting. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. It is particularly common in contexts related to news and media, formal business, and scientific discussions. The phrase conveys a sense of decline or reduction and is suitable for neutral and formal registers. To avoid confusion, remember to distinguish "shrinking" from "shirking". Alternatives include "decreasing", "diminishing", and "contracting", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

decreasing

Refers to a reduction in number, size, or intensity. Implies a gradual decline.

diminishing

Suggests a gradual reduction in size, importance, or intensity, often implying a loss of value.

contracting

Indicates a reduction in size or scope, often used in economic or physical contexts.

lessening

Implies a reduction in degree, amount, or intensity. Often used for abstract concepts.

dwindling

Suggests a gradual decline in number or amount, often to a very small quantity.

receding

Implies moving back or away, often used in the context of water levels or hairlines.

abating

Indicates a reduction in intensity or strength, often used for storms or pain.

tapering off

Suggests a gradual reduction, usually in a smooth and controlled manner.

becoming smaller

A straightforward way of expressing a reduction in size, suitable for general contexts.

undergoing reduction

More formal and emphasizes the process of becoming smaller.

FAQs

How can I use "shrinking" in a sentence?

You can use "shrinking" to describe something that is becoming smaller in size, number, or amount. For example, "The ice caps are shrinking due to global warming" or "The company's profits are shrinking due to increased competition".

What are some alternatives to using "shrinking"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "decreasing", "diminishing", or "contracting" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say something is "shrinking fast"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct and commonly used to emphasize the speed at which something is becoming smaller. For example, "The available budget is shrinking fast".

What's the difference between "shrinking" and "shriveling"?

"Shrinking" generally refers to a reduction in size or amount, while "shriveling" specifically implies a wrinkling and drying up. An economy might be "shrinking", but a piece of fruit might be shriveling.