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

• short-handedness noun

Etymology

Origin of short-handed

First recorded in 1615–25

Example Sentences

It was Jan. 5, 2025, and I was marveling at the Rams gumption in their short-handed loss to the Seattle Seahawks.

From Los Angeles Times

Others will have to make the mark, until then, if USC hopes to survive that stretch short-handed.

From Los Angeles Times

Playing in their second back-to-back of the season, the Lakers will again be short-handed.

From Los Angeles Times

A yellow card for Japan's Charlie Lawrence left the home side temporarily short-handed and there was more injury woe for Australia when Josh Canham went off following a heavy hit.

From Barron's

For most teams, playing so much short-handed hockey would be a major disadvantage.

From The Wall Street Journal