# abbreviated

/əˈbɹiviˌeɪtɪd/ (US) · /ɐbɹˈiːvɪˌeɪtɪd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/abbreviated
Updated: 2026-05-02

## Senses

### 1. shortened text or names

adjective · CEFR B2

describing a word or piece of writing that has been made shorter.

For teachers: referring to a word, phrase, or text that has been shortened by omitting letters or using a symbolic representation.

- The abbreviated name for the company is much easier to remember.
- The report provided only an abbreviated version of the findings, omitting the technical data to make it accessible to the general public.

### 2. shorter than usual time

adjective · CEFR B2 · Formal

lasting for a shorter time than normal.

For teachers: reduced in duration or scope compared to a standard or expected length.

- Due to the storm, the players had an abbreviated practice session.
- The holiday schedule resulted in an abbreviated trading day on the stock exchange, with markets closing at noon.

### 3. scanty clothing

adjective · CEFR C1 · Literary · Humorous

describing clothes that are very short and do not cover much of the body.

For teachers: referring to garments that are exceptionally short or provide minimal coverage.

- The dancers wore abbreviated costumes that allowed them to move freely.
- The fashion show featured several abbreviated designs that pushed the boundaries of traditional evening wear.

Teaching tip: This sense is often used with a touch of irony or in fashion journalism; it is less common in everyday conversation than 'skimpy'.

## Examples

- The doctor wrote an abbreviated note on the chart.
- Because we were running out of time, the speaker gave an abbreviated version of her presentation.
- The journal published an abbreviated report of the findings, though the full data set remained available to researchers upon request in the online appendix.

## Usage notes

- Typically placed before the noun it modifies; often used to describe names, words, or time-based events.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.