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

Along the way, Cass gives short shrift to the many useful things that the financial industry does that are not a grift.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 18, 2026

This gives short shrift to the foundational curriculum in genetics, biochemistry, biostatistics and epidemiology.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 12, 2026

The result was “a sea change in the economics of the malpractice plaintiffs’ bar,” Rand found, with cases where the judgment cap would cut too deeply into attorney fees getting short shrift.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 16, 2026

Unlike Joan, Bobby seemed to have little interest in school, and whenever Regina helped him with his homework he typically gave it short shrift, impatient to go back to chess.

From "Endgame" by Frank Brady