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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Another area of concern for the B’s is the shorthanded goal. — Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 17 Apr. 2026 Duchene, who had prevented the shorthanded goal at the other end of the rink, scored the equalizer. — Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 23 Apr. 2026 The jailbreak rule states that if a team that’s killing a minor penalty scores a shorthanded goal, its player may leave the penalty box, and play reverts to 5-on-5. — Curtis Pashelka, Mercury News, 18 May 2026 That said, the Avalanche allowed the most shorthanded goals during the regular season and one against Minnesota, so that will be something to watch out for. — Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 20 May 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

Rhymes for shorthanded

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Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Shorthanded.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shorthanded. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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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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