shirk

American  

[shurk] / ʃɜrk /

verb (used with object)

1. to evade (work, duty, responsibility, etc.).

   Synonyms:

   dodge, avoid, shun

---

verb (used without object)

1. to evade work, duty, etc.

noun

1. a shirker.

shirk ¹ British  

/ ʃɪːk /

noun

1. Islam

   1. the fundamental sin of regarding anything as equal to Allah

   2. any belief that is considered to be in opposition to Allah and Islam

---

shirk ² British  

/ ʃɜːk /

verb

1. to avoid discharging (work, a duty, etc); evade

---

noun

1. a person who shirks

Other Word Forms

• unshirked adjective
• unshirking adjective

Etymology

Origin of shirk

First recorded in 1625–35; obscurely akin to shark ²

Example Sentences

The government's counsel, Jenkin Suen, told the inquiry that authorities would not shirk responsibility and pledged "systemic reforms".

From Barron's • Mar. 24, 2026

And yet, both Andie and Iona shirk their individuality for stability, leaving those singular, oh-so-charming elements of their characters in the dust when wealthy men come calling.

From Salon • Feb. 28, 2026

“Once an artificial intelligence weapon system produces safety hazards, the ‘algorithm black box’ may become a rationalized excuse for the relevant responsible parties to shirk responsibility,” he wrote.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 25, 2026

Later, in remarks made to a gathering of supporters and broadcast on state television, Khamenei reiterated the message, saying Iran "will not shirk from dealing with destructive elements".

From BBC • Jan. 10, 2026

But whether or not Valentin wanted to be there leading the 587th, and whether or not they wanted him there, he wasn’t going to shirk his responsibility as a commander.

From "A Thousand Sisters" by Elizabeth Wein