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

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

See Examples For:

short-handed

It seemed the match was going to be easier for the Mexicans with South Africa short-handed, but fans began to boo the Mexican players after they stopped attacking and appeared nervous.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 12, 2026

It was also hard to fill open jobs after the pandemic, and businesses don’t want to get caught short-handed again.

From MarketWatch ● Apr. 30, 2026

Center Deandre Ayton held down a short-handed big man rotation with 23 points and 10 rebounds.

From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 13, 2026

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 ● Oct. 25, 2025

We got to the bedroom door in time to hear Grandpa say, “Best go on now, Miss Love. They short-handed at the store.”

From "Cold Sassy Tree" by Olive Ann Burns