contracting (B1)

verb

Pronunciation: /kənˈtræktɪŋ/

Definition

Becoming smaller or shorter, or causing something to become smaller or shorter.

Examples

• The muscles in his arm were contracting and relaxing.

• The fabric shrinks when it's contracting in the wash.

• The company is contracting its operations due to financial difficulties.

How to Use contracting

contract with (prepositional phrase)

To make a formal agreement with someone or a company to do work or provide services. — "We decided to contract with a local firm for our IT support."

contract out (phrasal verb)

To pay another company to do a job or service that was previously done by your own employees. — "The hospital decided to contract out its laundry services."

contract for (prepositional phrase)

To agree in writing to do work or provide a service for a particular price. — "They contracted for the construction of a new office building."

Synonyms of contracting

Words with a similar meaning to contracting:

• shrinking
• tightening
• diminishing
• constricting

Antonyms of contracting

Words with the opposite meaning to contracting:

• expanding
• dilating

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