shortchange

American  

[shawrt-cheynj] / ˈʃɔrtˈtʃeɪndʒ /

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.

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Other Word Forms

• shortchanger noun

Etymology

Origin of shortchange

An Americanism dating back to 1890–95

Example Sentences

You don’t want to shortchange your future simply because you feel an urgent desire to retire now.

From MarketWatch

The United Parcel Service UPS -0.70%decrease; red down pointing triangle has been hit with a lawsuit for allegedly shortchanging thousands of seasonal delivery workers.

From The Wall Street Journal

But some economists and academics say that would shortchange taxpayers.

From The Wall Street Journal

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.

From 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.

From Los Angeles Times