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
But if director Michael Greene’s sophomore feature shortchanges the musical performances that should be its main selling point for a pedestrian crime-drama arc, this nonetheless emerges a painless diversion, one likely to become a guilty-pleasure favorite for fans of the acts showcased.
—
Dennis Harvey, Variety, 23 Jan. 2026
Such breakdowns undermine public trust and shortchange riders and workers alike.
—Brian Bryant, New York Daily News, 16 Jan. 2026
The money is supposed to follow the student, but the Auditor General of Florida found public schools shortchanged by $100 million.
—Don Gaetz, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 Jan. 2026
The county had long been credited by some for its fiscal acumen, while at the same time criticized by others for shortchanging residents on important services.
—Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for shortchange
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Dennis Harvey, Variety, 23 Jan. 2026
Such breakdowns undermine public trust and shortchange riders and workers alike.
—Brian Bryant, New York Daily News, 16 Jan. 2026
The money is supposed to follow the student, but the Auditor General of Florida found public schools shortchanged by $100 million.
—Don Gaetz, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 Jan. 2026
The county had long been credited by some for its fiscal acumen, while at the same time criticized by others for shortchanging residents on important services.
—Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for shortchange
Cite this Entry
“Shortchange.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shortchange. Accessed 28 Jan. 2026.
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