Word
shorting
Phoneticsshort·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈʃɔɹtɪŋ/
UK/ʃˈɔːtɪŋ/
Definition
v. to make electricity take a wrong path so a machine stops working. In finance, it also means to sell borrowed shares because you think the price will fall.
v. to create an unintended low-resistance connection that diverts current and interrupts normal operation; in securities trading, to sell borrowed shares in expectation of repurchasing them at a lower price.
Examples
“Faulty wiring is shorting the lights in the kitchen.”
“The mechanic found water in the fuse box was shorting the car's ignition system.”
“Hedge funds shorting the airline's stock accelerated its decline, as each wave of borrowed-share sales signaled deeper doubts about the company's survival.”
Examples
simple
“Faulty wiring is shorting the lights in the kitchen.”
contextual
“The mechanic found water in the fuse box was shorting the car's ignition system.”
complex
“Hedge funds shorting the airline's stock accelerated its decline, as each wave of borrowed-share sales signaled deeper doubts about the company's survival.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “shorting” in context.
Verb
01. accused of shorting
“The trader was accused of shorting bank shares during the crisis.”
verb + prep + noun
02. avoid shorting
“To avoid shorting, keep metal tools away from the live circuit.”
verb + noun
03. ban shorting
“Regulators decided to ban shorting to stabilise falling markets.”
verb + noun
04. prevent shorting
“Cover the terminals to prevent shorting and protect the battery.”
verb + noun
Adjective
05. accidental shorting
“Accidental shorting of the wires caused the device to stop working.”
adj + noun
06. aggressive shorting
“Aggressive shorting drove the company's share price down sharply last week.”
adj + noun
07. naked shorting
“Naked shorting is illegal in many markets because sellers never borrow the shares.”
adj + noun
Noun
08. profit from shorting
“She made a large profit from shorting the airline's shares.”
noun + prep + noun
09. accused of shorting shares
“He was accused of shorting shares before the bad news broke.”
10. avoid shorting the battery
“Always disconnect the power to avoid shorting the battery.”
11. ban on naked shorting
“The government introduced a ban on naked shorting to calm investors.”
12. prevent accidental shorting
“Use insulation tape to prevent accidental shorting in the circuit.”
Usage
The verb is transitive and takes a direct object; electrical use often appears as 'short out'.
Real-World Examples
“Short sellers typically borrow shares with the intention of repurchasing them at a lower price later to repay the loan, thereby profiting from the difference.” Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/shorting