short-handed

American  

[shawrt-han-did] / ˈʃɔrtˈhæn dɪd /

adjective

1. not having the usual or necessary number of workers, helpers, etc.

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short-handed British  

adjective

1. lacking the usual or necessary number of assistants, workers, etc

2. sport with less than the full complement of players

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• short-handedness
  noun

Etymology

Origin of short-handed

First recorded in 1615–25

Explanation

Being short-handed means not having the necessary number of people to help with something. If six friends promise to supervise your brother's birthday party with you but only two show up, you'll be seriously short-handed! Short-handed was first used in the 17th century to refer to a workplace that has an insufficient number of "hands," or workers. You can use it whenever you're in a situation where fewer people than normal show up or help out: "We were short-handed at the restaurant last night so I had to cook the burgers, deliver them to customers, and help wash the dishes!"

Example Sentences

In less than a week, the Dodgers went from having a potential surplus of starting pitchers to being short handed on the mound once again.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2023

One employee told a local television station, "We are short handed now working extra hard, and I'm questioning what I'm still doing here honestly…I'm actually nervous now and wondering if it's even worth coming."

From Salon • May 1, 2020

Already short handed with point guard Quade Green sidelined for a third straight game because of a back issue, the Wildcats had three players foul out in the contest.

From Washington Times • Jan. 19, 2018

“Short-handed goal are definitely a giant dagger. We’ve let up two short handed goals this year and it completely kills you.”

From Washington Post • Jan. 9, 2015

I suppose you will expect Jess and me to go down and stoke the 65 furnaces for you if you get short handed.

From The Campfire Girls on Station Island or, The Wireless from the Steam Yacht by Penrose, Margaret