shrinking

[ˈʃɹɪŋkɪŋ]

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shrink

Shrinking means getting smaller or losing weight, but also refers to becoming less in number or amount.

When people talk about shrinking, they usually mean it in one of two ways. They might say that their favorite brand of jeans is shrinking its sizes, which means they're changing the measurements so the clothes fit differently. This often happens with fashion trends, and customers get frustrated because their old clothes no longer fit. On the other hand, some people talk about shrinking as losing weight or reducing their size in a positive way, like after starting a new diet or exercise routine.

How common is "shrinking"?

Word shrinking is considered rare in modern English.
It has a balanced usage among all categories: speech, fiction, newspapers and academic texts.

Definitions

verb

To cause to become smaller.
Example: The dryer shrank my sweater.
To become smaller; to contract.
Example: This garment will shrink when wet.
To cower or flinch.
Example: Molly shrank away from the blows of the whip.
To draw back; to withdraw.
To withdraw or retire, as from danger.
To move back or away, especially because of fear or disgust.

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noun

The act of one who, or that which, shrinks; act of becoming smaller or moving timidly away.

Real examples of "shrinking" in context

Ryan Reynolds Shows Up Instead of Will Ferrell | The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon

Interview

There is shrinking involved, but he doesn't get shrunk.

5:53