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.
Cirelli notched his second of the game 11 seconds into the second, deflecting a puck away from Bryan Rust and racing up ice for a breakaway, lifting a backhand shot over Skinner for a shorthanded marker. CBS News, 2 Apr. 2026 The Celtics’ streak of shorthanded success came to an end Monday night. Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 31 Mar. 2026 The injury riddled Kings — playing their second game in 24 hours and their third in four nights — were even more shorthanded than usual. Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 30 Mar. 2026 The statement ended there, though, as the Hornets blew a 15-point lead on the front end of the back-to-back against the 76ers and then got blown out on the back end by the shorthanded Celtics. Law Murray, New York Times, 30 Mar. 2026 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 6 Apr. 2026.

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
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