English Reference
adjective · adverb · noun · verb · preposition

short

adj. · adv. · n. · v. · prep.
US /ˈʃɔɹt/ UK /ʃˈɔːt/ short

  1. 01 A1 Beginner

    adj.measuring a small distance from one end to the other, or not tall.

    adj.having little length or relatively small stature.

    Simple

    The walk to the shops is very short, so we don't need to drive.

    In context

    The short stature of the doorway required taller visitors to stoop slightly before entering the historic cottage.

  2. 02 A1 Beginner

    adj.lasting for only a small amount of time.

    adj.having a brief duration.

    Simple

    We had a short meeting this morning to discuss the new project.

    In context

    After a short delay due to technical difficulties, the keynote speaker finally took the stage to a warm reception.

  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate

    adj.speaking in a way that is too quick and perhaps a bit rude.

    adj.abrupt or curt in manner or spirit.

    Simple

    She was a bit short with me on the phone, so I think she's busy.

    In context

    His short response to the journalist's inquiry suggested he was unwilling to discuss the merger before the official announcement.

    politeverbose
  4. 04 B1 Intermediate

    adj.not having enough of something that you need.

    adj.inadequately supplied; deficient in quantity or amount.

    Simple

    We are short of milk, so I need to go to the supermarket.

    In context

    The hospital was dangerously short of supplies following the unexpected influx of patients during the winter flu season.

  5. 05 C1 Advanced Technical Science

    adj.a way of investing where you make money if the price of something goes down.

    adj.relating to a financial position that profits from a decline in the price of an asset.

    Simple

    The investor took a short position on the company's stock.

    In context

    Hedge funds that were short on the housing market realized significant gains during the subsequent financial downturn.

  6. 06 B2 Upper Intermediate

    adv.stopping suddenly or failing to reach a target.

    adv.abruptly; or failing to reach a specific point or requirement.

    Simple

    The car stopped short just before hitting the fence.

    In context

    The arrow fell short of the target, landing harmlessly in the grass several meters away.

  7. 07 B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Science

    n.a problem with electricity that causes a machine to stop working.

    n.an accidental electrical connection of low resistance between two points in a circuit.

    Simple

    The lights went out because there was a short in the wiring.

    In context

    The technician identified a short in the motherboard that had caused the server to reboot repeatedly throughout the night.

    short circuit
  8. 08 B1 Intermediate Theatre

    n.a movie that is not very long, often shown before a main movie or online.

    n.a motion picture that is not long enough to be considered a feature film.

    Simple

    We watched a funny short before the main movie started.

    In context

    The director gained international recognition after her animated short won an award at the prestigious film festival.

    featurette
  9. 09 C1 Advanced Informal

    v.to give someone less than the correct amount of money or goods.

    v.to provide less than the agreed or expected amount; to shortchange.

    Simple

    I think the cashier shorted me five dollars in change.

    In context

    The contractor was accused of shorting the project on high-quality materials to increase his own profit margin.

    cheatshortchange
  10. 10 B2 Upper Intermediate

    prep.having less than a certain amount or being near but not at a place.

    prep.having a deficiency of; or situated at a distance less than.

    Simple

    The marathon runner collapsed just ten meters short of the finish line.

    In context

    The final collection was two thousand dollars short of the fundraising goal despite the community's best efforts.

Usage short term · short notice · short time

This entry
Level A1 · Beginner
Frequency Very common
Updated