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 said, the Avalanche allowed the most shorthanded goals during the regular season and one against Minnesota, so that will be something to watch out for. Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 20 May 2026 The jailbreak rule states that if a team that’s killing a minor penalty scores a shorthanded goal, its player may leave the penalty box, and play reverts to 5-on-5. Curtis Pashelka, Mercury News, 18 May 2026 Howden doubled the lead with a shorthanded goal 7½ minutes later, finding miles of space just to the right of the goal and banging in a pass from Marner that split LaCombe and Alex Killorn. Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 15 May 2026 Howden’s three shorthanded goals tied an NHL record for a single postseason and equaled his career total from 532 previous outings between the regular season and playoffs. Andrew Knoll, Oc Register, 15 May 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Shorthanded.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shorthanded. Accessed 6 Jun. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster