ENGLISH
REFERENCE

shortness

n.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈʃɔɹtnəs// UK //ʃˈɔːtnəs// short·ness

n. the quality of being small in size or amount. It can also describe a lack of something, like time or money.

n. the state of being small in size, amount, or duration; a lack or deficiency of something.


SIMPLE

The shortness of the summer days makes me sad.

CONTEXTUAL

The shortness of the budget meant the team could not afford to hire a new assistant.

COMPLEX

The shortness of the final chapter suggests the author was forced to conclude the narrative before the plot could reach its natural resolution.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

From Middle English schortnesse, from Old English sċortnes, sċeortnys, equivalent to short + -ness.

© 2026 English Reference