What does shrinking mean?
“Shrinking” is the present participle of “shrink” and describes the process of becoming smaller, or of causing something to become smaller. It applies to physical dimensions, quantities, spaces, populations, resources, and figurative resources such as opportunities or margins. The word can also mean becoming visibly reluctant or withdrawing from a situation, usually in an informal context. As a transitive form, “shrinking” shows that an action is reducing something: an organization may be shrinking its budget, while a material may shrink when exposed to heat. Its basic connotation is reduction, though the figurative sense often carries a suggestion of fear, discomfort, or avoidance. The word is common in both British and American English and is especially useful when describing gradual or measurable diminishment.
Becoming smaller, or causing something to become smaller, in size, amount, or extent.
"The wetland is shrinking at an alarming rate."
When used transitively, it describes an action that reduces something: “The company is shrinking its costs.”
Describing a process in which something becomes smaller, or an action that reduces something.
"The shrinking budget forced the team to cancel the project."
This participial use is common before nouns, such as “shrinking population” and “shrinking resources.”
A shrinking thing is not merely getting smaller; it is becoming less present, less visible, or less possible.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does shrinking come from?
The headword is formed from the verb “shrink,” whose roots are Old English “scrincan,” meaning to withdraw or draw back, and “scruncen,” meaning to wither or shrink. The modern form developed through Middle English usage, with several inflected forms reflecting the verb’s strong and weak past-tense patterns. Words such as “shrinkage” were later formed from the same verbal base. The form “shrinking” follows the ordinary English present-participle pattern in -ing.
Related word forms
How shrinking is actually used
In its third sense, “shrinking” is informal and often suggests fear, embarrassment, or avoidance. In measurements and descriptions of physical size, it is neutral.
Easily confused with shrinking
Shrinking refers to becoming smaller, while shrinking can also mean expressing reluctance or trying to avoid a situation.