ENGLISH
REFERENCE

shortest

adj.
A1 Beginner US //ˈʃɔɹtɪst// UK //ʃˈɔːtəst// short·est

adj. measuring the smallest distance from one end to the other compared to all others. You use this to describe the most direct path or the person with the least height in a group.

adj. the superlative form of 'short', indicating the minimum extent in space, time, or length within a specific set.


SIMPLE

This is the shortest path to the park.

CONTEXTUAL

The manager chose the shortest candidate for the role because the workspace had very low ceilings.

COMPLEX

The winter solstice marks the shortest day of the year, after which the duration of daylight begins its gradual increase toward the summer peak.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Usage

Superlative form of the adjective 'short'; typically preceded by the definite article 'the'.

Pitfall

the most shortest waythe shortest wayShort is a one-syllable adjective, so it takes the '-est' suffix rather than the 'most' modifier.

© 2026 English Reference