Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The heat was shortening the life of his produce as surely as it was shortening the market day.

From BBC • Jun. 1, 2026

“What I helped them with was shortening the learning curve.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 13, 2025

But during the second trimester, Ms. Ross learned that her cervix was shortening, meaning she was at risk of giving birth early.

From New York Times • Jun. 23, 2022

ParknShop, one of the city's largest supermarket chains, said it was shortening opening hours for more than 200 outlets to protect its staff and customers.

From Reuters • Mar. 3, 2022

The ship was shortening sail as I spoke.

From James Braithwaite, the Supercargo The Story of his Adventures Ashore and Afloat by Dugdale, Thomas Cantrell