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
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
An article from The Star in 2017 said the two began conceptualizing the store in 2015 after noticing men were being shortchanged in the retail industry.
—Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 30 Dec. 2025
Jordan and others believe the sport’s business model shortchanges the teams and drivers risking their lives.
—Greg Cote
december 7, Miami Herald, 7 Dec. 2025
Other typically snowy areas have been shortchanged so far.
—Mary Gilbert, CNN Money, 26 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shortchange
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Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Jan. 2026
An article from The Star in 2017 said the two began conceptualizing the store in 2015 after noticing men were being shortchanged in the retail industry.
—Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 30 Dec. 2025
Jordan and others believe the sport’s business model shortchanges the teams and drivers risking their lives.
—Greg Cote
december 7, Miami Herald, 7 Dec. 2025
Other typically snowy areas have been shortchanged so far.
—Mary Gilbert, CNN Money, 26 Nov. 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 7 Jan. 2026.
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