shrunken
word · lemma: shrink
Definition
Made smaller than normal because of shrinking, often due to heat, age, or drying out. Commonly describes clothes, body parts, or objects that have lost size.
Usage & Nuances
'Shrunken' is the past participle of 'shrink' and acts as an adjective. It’s most common with physical items: 'shrunken shirt,' 'shrunken head,' 'shrunken apple.' It adds a sense of loss or damage. Avoid confusing with 'shrinking' (currently becoming smaller). Often used in a slightly negative sense.
Example Sentences
My sweater is shrunken after washing it in hot water.
basic
The fruit looked old and shrunken.
basic
She held a shrunken doll in her hands.
basic
These jeans are all shrunken now—they barely fit me!
natural
Don't eat that shrunken apple, it's too dry.
natural
His face looked tired and shrunken after the long illness.
natural