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Definition of shorthanded

shorthanded

/ˌʃɔːrtˈhændɪd/
short · hand · ed
Adverb:shorthandedly
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shorthanded Lexical Profile

shorthanded Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Having fewer than the usual or necessary number of workers or staff.

Example

"The restaurant was severely shorthanded during the holiday rush because three servers called in sick."

2

North American Having fewer players on the ice or field than the opposing team due to a penalty (especially in ice hockey).

Example

"The team managed to score a shorthanded goal while defending a two-minute penalty."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• adverb

1

With fewer than the usual or required number of workers, helpers, or players.

Example

"The hospital emergency department had to operate shorthanded throughout the weekend."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for shorthanded

• Rhymes for shorthanded

• Nearby Words

shorthair
shorthaired
shorthand
shorthanded
shortia
shortish
shortlist

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the early 19th century as a compound of 'short' (meaning deficient) and 'hand' (in the nautical and labor sense of a crew member or worker), plus the adjectival suffix '-ed'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Shorthanded. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/shorthanded
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