shorthanded

adjective

short·​hand·​ed ˌshȯrt-ˈhan-dəd 

: 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

Radek Faksa scored a shorthanded goal, Casey DeSmith made 23 saves and the Dallas Stars ended their losing streak at six games by defeating the Washington Capitals 4-1 on Wednesday night. —CBS News, 7 Jan. 2026

That’s also three shorthanded goals against in seven games. —Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 4 Jan. 2026

Amelia Serino’s two shorthanded goals and three-point days from Reese Ferrara (goal, two assists) and Fran Indrisano (three assists) highlighted Winthrop’s attack, pairing with Riley Towse’s 17 saves to fuel a 4-1 nonleague win over Burlington. —Tom Mulherin, Boston Herald, 4 Jan. 2026

An early man-advantage opportunity was particularly atrocious; Florida nearly gave up two shorthanded goals on the same power play. —Adam H. Beasley, Miami Herald, 28 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1794, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for shorthanded

• backhanded
• commanded
• demanded
• disbanded
• expanded
• misbranded
• remanded
• unbranded
• banded
• branded
• candid
• handed

Kids Definition

shorthanded

adjective

short·​hand·​ed -ˈhan-dəd 

: having or working with fewer than the usual number of people