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
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Towns finished with 21 points, 11 rebounds and four assists on the night but took just three shots for two points in the first half as the shorthanded Pistons built a 10-point halftime lead. Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 20 Feb. 2026 Finland and Canada both scored power play goals, and Finland added a shorthanded goal, too. Andrew Greif, NBC news, 20 Feb. 2026 The Canadians struck with a shorthanded goal from Kristin O’Neill early in the second period, and that held up until Knight deflected a shot from the point by Laila Edwards to tie the score. Jim Keyser, Idaho Statesman, 19 Feb. 2026 Harper also blanketed Kevin Durant on defense as the shorthanded Celtics, who were playing without Jaylen Brown, Sam Hauser and Simons/Vucevic, blew out the Rockets 114-93 on the second night of a back-to-back. Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 6 Feb. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Shorthanded.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shorthanded. Accessed 26 Feb. 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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