withdrawn

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'withdrawn' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a person or their behavior, to indicate that they are timid, shy, or introverted. For example: The child was very withdrawn and didn't want to interact with anyone.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Despite Moscow's statements that troops had been withdrawn to their home bases, only a few units have returned to their place of permanent deployment, the analysts said.

The Guardian

Australia has never before withdrawn an ambassador in response to the death sentence being carried out on a citizen.

The Guardian

The war in Ukraine, a more aggressive nationalism, and the atmosphere that led to the murder of Boris Nemtsov, have all pointed to the city becoming more introverted and withdrawn.

The Guardian

It cost $24m, in 1981 an unheard-of amount for an inherently small-scale film, and was withdrawn a week after release.

The Guardian

Conte's rotation policy has come under scrutiny, with Andrea Pirlo substituted twice already this season and seeming to react badly to it – heading straight down the tunnel after being withdrawn against Verona.

The Guardian - Sport

Singer has withdrawn from publicity appearances for forthcoming superhero movie X Men: Days of Future Past while he fights the allegations.

The Guardian - Film

The protesters want the internet law to be withdrawn.

The Guardian - Opinion

In any country where de facto immunity presently exists and can be withdrawn, it should be lifted We must pursue legal and political redress for what has been done to us.

The Guardian - Tech

Toronto looked sharp on the counter, always looking for the quality outlet of Defoe (partly by default – his strike partner Gilberto was ineffective and eventually withdrawn).

The Guardian - Sport

The Stormont minister Danny Kennedy said he had withdrawn from the battle to succeed Tom Elliott as UUP leader in the interests of party unity.

The Guardian

Fabio Ciampolillo has now withdrawn his application to the city council in Durham, where his outlet La Spahettata sometimes has the air of a nightclub with added pasta and cheese.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To avoid ambiguity, specify what exactly was "withdrawn"—a statement, troops, support, etc.—to ensure clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "withdrawn" when a simpler verb like "removed" or "extracted" would be more appropriate for describing the physical removal of something. "Withdrawn" typically implies a more deliberate, often formal, action.

Linguistic Context

"Withdrawn" primarily functions as a past participle of the verb 'withdraw'. It is used adjectivally to describe something that has been taken back or away, or to characterize a person as being shy and reserved. As Ludwig AI explains, it is perfectly usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "withdrawn" functions primarily as the past participle of the verb "withdraw", conveying the act of taking something back or describing a reserved personality. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. The term is very common, particularly in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts. The authoritative sources and diverse examples provided by Ludwig demonstrate its versatility and appropriate usage across various registers. When writing, remember to consider the specific context to ensure the most accurate meaning, as "withdrawn" can imply a formal action, a physical removal, or a personal characteristic. Be careful not to overuse "withdrawn" when a simpler, more direct verb might be more suitable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rescinded

Formally revokes or annuls a law, order, or agreement.

revoked

Formally cancels or invalidates a decree, permit, or privilege.

retracted

Implies a formal cancellation or revocation of a statement or offer.

repealed

Refers to the revocation or annulment of a law or act.

disavowed

Denies responsibility for or connection with something.

removed

Suggests a physical or metaphorical taking away or displacement.

taken back

Indicates the act of reclaiming or reversing a previous action or statement.

canceled

Indicates that something planned or scheduled has been terminated.

pulled

Implies a forceful removal or extraction.

vacated

Implies the act of leaving or abandoning a position or place.

FAQs

How can I use "withdrawn" in a sentence?

You can use "withdrawn" to describe the act of taking something back or away, such as "The troops were withdrawn from the border.", or to describe someone's behavior, such as "After the argument, she became withdrawn and quiet."

What are some synonyms for "withdrawn"?

Depending on the context, you can use synonyms like "retracted", "removed", or "canceled" when referring to actions. For describing a person's demeanor, consider "introverted", "shy", or "reserved".

What's the difference between "withdrawn" and "retracted"?

"Withdrawn" generally refers to taking something back, while "retracted" specifically means to take back a statement or claim because it's proven false or inaccurate. For example, a newspaper might retract an article, but a country might withdraw troops.

Is it correct to use "withdrawn" to describe a shy person?

Yes, "withdrawn" can accurately describe a person who is shy, introverted, or emotionally detached. It suggests a tendency to avoid social interaction and emotional engagement.