short shrift

American  

noun

1. little attention or consideration in dealing with a person or matter.

   She'll give short shrift to such a weak argument.

2. a brief time for confession or absolution given to a condemned prisoner before their execution.

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short shrift British  

noun

1. brief and unsympathetic treatment

2. (formerly) a brief period allowed to a condemned prisoner to make confession

3. to dispose of quickly and unsympathetically

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Etymology

Origin of short shrift

First recorded in 1585–95

Example Sentences

Both shows foreground queer characters – bisexual men and women, specifically – whose attractions aren’t discounted or given short shrift.

From Salon • Mar. 4, 2026

Mr. Brown gives short shrift to Roosevelt’s unparalleled record on the conservation of public land.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 29, 2025

Known for not suffering fools gladly while on air and giving some callers short shrift, he was once satirised in Private Eye.

From BBC • Dec. 1, 2025

“John Proctor” initiates a conversation with Arthur Miller’s “The Crucible” about the way the suffering of women in this American classic is given painfully short shrift.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2025

At the time, however, my report was given short shrift because of another related report with greater ramifications.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela