shortchange

[shawrt-cheynj]

verb (used with object)

shortchanged, shortchanging 

1. to give less than the correct change to.

2. to deal with unfairly or dishonestly, especially to cheat.

Other Word Forms

• shortchanger noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of shortchange¹

An Americanism dating back to 1890–95

Example Sentences

However, plan details, doctors and drug coverage can change from year to year, and sticking with the same plan can end up shortchanging the beneficiary.

Read more on MarketWatch

In a class action complaint filed this month in Delaware Chancery Court, hedge funds and other large Skechers investors accused the company and 3G Capital of arranging a non-independent deal that shortchanged minority shareholders.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Reiner also liked to say that for all Caesar’s comic gifts, he was “shortchanged on charm.”

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

It’s an understandable move: Many might feel shortchanged if Mr. Icke had chosen otherwise.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

He said diners don’t want to be shortchanged, particularly when consumers are pushing back on rising restaurant checks.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal