Shirked

To avoid or neglect a duty, responsibility, or work, often through laziness or a lack of conscientiousness. The act of shirking implies an unwillingness to fulfill an obligation, leading to the omission of necessary tasks or requirements. It suggests a deliberate evasion rather than a simple inability to perform. Often associated with a lack of integrity or commitment, shirking can have negative consequences, affecting productivity, teamwork, and overall outcomes. Those who shirk responsibilities may face criticism, disciplinary action, or a decline in trust from others. The term emphasizes the conscious choice to evade, even when capable of fulfilling the duty.

Shirked meaning with examples

• The student consistently shirked his homework, preferring to spend his evenings playing video games instead of studying. His grades suffered as a result, and he was placed on academic probation. This avoidance of responsibility eventually caught up with him.
• During the project, several team members shirked their assigned tasks, leaving the burden to the most diligent individuals. This led to delays and frustration among the hardworking colleagues, impacting the project's overall success.
• The employee shirked his customer service duties by ignoring complaints and avoiding phone calls. His supervisor had to address the neglected issues and provided him with a verbal warning about his unsatisfactory performance.
• Facing the unpleasant task of cleaning the house, the children shirked their chores, hoping their parents would forget. Unfortunately, their parents did not and the house was cleaned by all once the chores were finished.
• Rather than confront the challenging sales targets, the sales team shirked their obligations by making excuses and avoiding phone calls. This resulted in the company missing its goals for the quarter and losing potential revenue.