shortchange
verb
short·change
ˈshȯrt-ˈchānj 
shortchanged; shortchanging; shortchanges
1
: to give less than the correct amount of change to
2
: to deprive of or give less than something due : cheat
was shortchanged out of a promotion
shortchanger
noun
Examples of shortchange in a Sentence
The cashier shortchanged me. I gave her 10 dollars to pay for an $8.95 book, and she only gave me a dollar back.
The band shortchanged its fans by playing for only 30 minutes.
Recent Examples on the Web
According to the Tribe’s attorneys, bank officials shortchanged the trust by picking safe investment strategies, shunning stocks in favor of less volatile but less lucrative money market accounts that didn’t always keep pace with inflation.
—
Rafael Olmeda, Sun Sentinel, 24 Mar. 2025
Ultimately, said Perez, this can shortchange children: They’re being looked after rather than educated.
—Max Klaver, Miami Herald, 20 Feb. 2025
Related Articles California’s cities and schools face big budget gaps, few options
Los Angeles spends billions on homelessness with little accountability
Grappling with DOGE: Why cutting waste and fixing entitlements are both essential
School shutdowns shortchanged America’s children.
—Debra J. Saunders, Orange County Register, 11 Mar. 2025
Two years later, the father approached Schaefer when he was again shortchanged on a paycheck, investigators said.
—Kate Linderman, Kansas City Star, 5 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shortchange
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Rafael Olmeda, Sun Sentinel, 24 Mar. 2025
Ultimately, said Perez, this can shortchange children: They’re being looked after rather than educated.
—Max Klaver, Miami Herald, 20 Feb. 2025
Related Articles California’s cities and schools face big budget gaps, few options
Los Angeles spends billions on homelessness with little accountability
Grappling with DOGE: Why cutting waste and fixing entitlements are both essential
School shutdowns shortchanged America’s children.
—Debra J. Saunders, Orange County Register, 11 Mar. 2025
Two years later, the father approached Schaefer when he was again shortchanged on a paycheck, investigators said.
—Kate Linderman, Kansas City Star, 5 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shortchange
Cite this Entry
“Shortchange.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shortchange. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.
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