shorthanded

adjective

short·​hand·​ed ˌshȯrt-ˈhan-dəd 

: 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

But instead of changing their approach against the shorthanded Bulls, the skeleton crew Warriors decided to double down on the long ball. —Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 11 Mar. 2026

The Spurs pulled even at halftime, 68-68, and built a six-point lead early in the third quarter against the shorthanded Celtics. —Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 11 Mar. 2026

With Colorado on its fourth power play a short time later, Brock Faber’s hard shot from behind his own net caused a Colorado turnover in the neutral zone, springing Sturm on a shorthanded breakaway and giving the visitors the lead. —Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 8 Mar. 2026

That is Colorado’s 11th shorthanded goal against this season, which leads the NHL. —Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 8 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1794, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for shorthanded

• backhanded
• commanded
• demanded
• disbanded
• expanded
• misbranded
• remanded
• unbranded
• banded
• branded
• candid
• handed

Kids Definition

shorthanded

adjective

short·​hand·​ed -ˈhan-dəd 

: having or working with fewer than the usual number of people