# shortest

/ˈʃɔɹtɪst/ (US) · /ʃˈɔːtəst/ (UK) · CEFR A1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/shortest
Updated: 2026-05-03

## Definition

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.

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

## Examples

- This is the shortest path to the park.
- The manager chose the shortest candidate for the role because the workspace had very low ceilings.
- The winter solstice marks the shortest day of the year, after which the duration of daylight begins its gradual increase toward the summer peak.

## Pitfalls

- Not "the most shortest way" but "the shortest way" — Short is a one-syllable adjective, so it takes the '-est' suffix rather than the 'most' modifier.

## Usage notes

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

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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.