shorthanded

adjective

short·​hand·​ed ˌshȯrt-ˈhan-dəd How to pronounce shorthanded (audio)
: having, working with, or done with fewer than the regular or necessary number of people

Examples of shorthanded in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
That, in addition to airfield construction, caused hundreds of cancellations and delays as shorthanded staffers struggled to keep pace. Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 22 May 2025 In between, Parker Kelly — the other member of the fourth line — had a golden shorthanded chance on a two-on-one, only to have Oettinger make it across the crease and turn it aside. Mark Lazerus, New York Times, 22 Apr. 2025 The Dodgers’ lineup was shorthanded, missing Teoscar Hernández with a bruised foot and Tommy Edman with a pinky toe fracture (both are expected back in the lineup by Wednesday). Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2025 The cuts leave fewer staff to tend to 700,000 acres of rolling Eastern Kentucky forest — where partner organizations say the agency was already shorthanded and underfunded — ahead of peak tourism season. Connor Giffin, The Courier-Journal, 2 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for shorthanded

Word History

First Known Use

1794, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of shorthanded was in 1794

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Cite this Entry

“Shorthanded.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shorthanded. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

shorthanded

adjective
short·​hand·​ed -ˈhan-dəd How to pronounce shorthanded (audio)
: having or working with fewer than the usual number of people
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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