shrinking
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- The act or process of becoming smaller in size, amount, or value: Refers to the action or the ongoing state of reducing in physical dimensions, quantity, or worth.
- The result of becoming less or smaller: Refers to the measurable outcome or the state of having been reduced.
Examples of Usage
- Noun:
- The shrinking of the polar ice caps is a major concern for scientists. (Refers to the ongoing process of becoming smaller.)
- We observed a noticeable shrinking in the company's profits last quarter. (Refers to the result of becoming less.)
- The shrinking of the sweater after washing was disappointing. (Refers to the act/result of becoming smaller in size.)
Advanced Usage
- "Fear of shrinking": Can be used metaphorically to describe anxiety about a reduction in importance, influence, or market share.
- The company's fear of shrinking relevance led to a new marketing strategy.
Variants and Related Words
- Shrink (verb): To become or make smaller.
- The fabric will shrink if washed in hot water.
- Shrinkage (noun): The amount or degree by which something shrinks; often used for materials.
- The carpenter accounted for the wood's shrinkage when building the door.
Synonyms
- Contraction: The process of becoming smaller.
- Reduction: The action of making something smaller or less in amount.
- Diminution: A formal term for a reduction in the size, extent, or importance of something.
Antonyms
- Expansion: The action of becoming larger or more extensive.
- Growth: The process of increasing in size, amount, or value.
Related Phrases
- Shrinking violet (idiom): A very shy or timid person.
- Don't be such a shrinking violet; speak up and share your idea.
- (Note: This idiom uses "shrinking" metaphorically to describe personality, not physical size.)
Noun
- the act of becoming less
- process or result of becoming less or smaller
- the material lost 2 inches per yard in shrinkage