Short

Definition

The word "short" most commonly means (1) having small length, height, duration, or extent (adjective); (2) abruptly or by a small distance/time (adverb); (3) a garment or film of limited length, an electrical fault, or a securities position that benefits from a price drop (noun); and (4) to sell securities one does not own, expecting their value to fall, or to cause an electrical short circuit (verb).

Parts of Speech

• Adjective
• Adverb
• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ʃɔrt/
• Respelling: SHORT

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ʃɔːt/
• Respelling: SHAWT

Etymology

"Short" derives from Old English sceort “not long, brief,” akin to Proto‑Germanic *skurta‑. Cognates include German schurz “short garment” and Dutch kort. The financial verb sense arose in 19th‑century stock markets, while the noun “short circuit” dates to the late 19th century.

Derivatives

• Shortness (noun)
• Shortly (adverb)
• Shortcut (noun)
• Short‑term (adjective)
• Shortage (noun, related)

Synonyms

• Brief
• Small
• Limited
• Concise
• Curt

Antonyms

• Long
• Tall
• Extended
• Lengthy
• Protracted

Usage

"Short" is ubiquitous in everyday language, finance, electronics, film, and fashion. Examples: "He wrote a short memo," "The battery shorted out," "Investors went short on oil futures," and "They will arrive shortly."

Related Terms

• Abbreviate: To shorten a word or text.
• Duration: The length of time something lasts.
• Short sale: A transaction where securities are sold short.

Detailed Definitions

Adjective

• Having little length, height, or duration: Refers to something physically small or brief in time.
  • Example: "It’s a short walk to the station."
• Insufficient or lacking in amount: Indicates a deficit or shortage of what is needed.
  • Example: "We are short of supplies."

Adverb

• Suddenly or abruptly: Describes stopping or falling before reaching an intended point.
  • Example: "The ball fell short of the hole."

Noun

• A brief film, story, or drink: A work or portion of limited length or small measure.
  • Example: "They screened an animated short."
• (Finance) A short position or sale: The practice or result of short‑selling assets.
  • Example: "Her fund held several lucrative shorts."

Verb

• (Finance) To sell an asset one does not own (short‑selling): Borrowing and selling a security, aiming to repurchase it later at a lower price.
  • Example: "Traders shorted the stock."
• To cause an unintended electrical connection (short‑circuit): A fault where current takes a low‑resistance path, often producing sparks or heat.
  • Example: "Moisture shorted the circuit board."