What does shift mean?
Shift means to move, transfer, or redirect something, and it also names the resulting change. The verb can describe a physical action, as in shifting a chair, or a broader alteration in direction, priorities, personnel, or responsibility. As a noun, shift most commonly refers to a period of work or the team responsible for that period, especially in contexts such as a day shift or night shift. It can also mean a general transition, as when a discussion shifts to another subject. The word is flexible and widely understood in British and American English. Its figurative uses often suggest movement or redirection rather than sudden creation: a shift in policy alters the existing approach, while shifting attention changes what people focus on. In workplaces, shift work is associated with scheduled periods of duty and may also imply irregular or rotating hours.
To move something from one position or function to another, or to alter the focus, direction, timing, or conditions of something.
"The mayor shifted responsibility for the project to the planning department."
The figurative sense of redirecting attention, responsibility, or resources is very common.
A change in position, direction, focus, or circumstances; a period of work; or the group of employees working during that period.
"The company introduced a later shift for employees who prefer to work in the morning."
When referring to a work period, the word commonly occurs in combinations such as day shift, night shift, and shift worker.
The plural is used for separate periods of work, groups of workers, or individual changes in direction or focus.
"Hospital staffing was increased by adding extra night shifts."
A shift can move a person across the clock, an object across a room, or an entire organization in a new direction.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does shift come from?
The word comes from Middle English shiften and is related to Old Norse skipta, with older meanings encompassing moving, exchanging, or changing position. Its modern verb and noun senses developed from that older range of physical movement and change. The stem also produced forms such as shifter, shiftless, and shifty.
Related word forms
How shift is actually used
The word is common in both formal and informal contexts. Its figurative uses, such as shifting attention or responsibility, are especially frequent; “shift blame,” for example, can imply an attempt to transfer fault from oneself to someone else.
Easily confused with shift
A shift is a general change of position, focus, or working period, whereas a sift is the action of sorting fine particles from coarse material.