shorten
verb (used with object)
has shortened
-
present perfectof shorten (3rd person singular).present perfect
Used to describe actions that started in the past and continue into or have direct relevance to the present.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Laos has shortened the school week from five days to three.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 16, 2026
Fuel rationing has shortened queues, but on Thursday, the government began limiting water supply hours to conserve reserves and save pumping costs.
From Barron's ● Apr. 4, 2026
And as this season of “Industry” reaches its big finale, the two women find that the tie binding them has shortened once again.
From Salon ● Mar. 1, 2026
Most banks should be open on Dec. 31, but check with your local branch to see if it has shortened hours that day.
From MarketWatch ● Dec. 29, 2025
While machinery has made the laborer's task more monotonous and more confining, the net result has been that it has shortened his hours and increased his efficiency.
From Preventable Diseases by Woods Hutchinson
