shorthanded — having fewer people than usual or than needed to do a particular job
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: having fewer people than usual or than needed to do a particular job
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˌʃɔːrtˈhændɪd/
Example Sentences
- The hospital was so shorthanded that doctors had to work triple shifts during the flu outbreak.
- Our office became shorthanded when half the team went on vacation at the same time - it was like playing musical chairs with deadlines!
- The coffee shop was shorthanded during morning rush hour, causing a line that stretched around the block.
shorthanded
ADJECTIVE[/ˌʃɔːrtˈhændɪd/]
having fewer people than usual or than needed to do a particular job
having fewer people than usual or than needed to do a particular job
Shorthanded crew rescues those stranded, with ropes handed down from above!
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Shorthanded emerged as a compound word in the late 19th century, originating from the literal phrase 'short hands' and evolving to mean 'lacking sufficient personnel or staff'. The term uses a metaphorical expression suggesting that workers with insufficient hands (workers) cannot accomplish all necessary tasks.
Breakdown
short (inadequate in length or supply) + handed (possessing hands; here, meaning workers or laborers). The compound creates a metaphor where having 'short hands' equals having insufficient workforce to complete work.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The hospital was so shorthanded that doctors had to work triple shifts during the flu outbreak.”
“Our office became shorthanded when half the team went on vacation at the same time - it was like playing musical chairs with deadlines!”
“The coffee shop was shorthanded during morning rush hour, causing a line that stretched around the block.”
“Being shorthanded at the pizza place meant Tom had to be the chef, cashier, and delivery guy all at once - he was basically a one-man pizza army!”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related
Want to master 19,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.