short shrift

noun

1. little attention or consideration in dealing with a person or matter:

   She'll give short shrift to such a weak argument.

2. a brief time for confession or absolution given to a condemned prisoner before their execution.

short shrift

noun

1. brief and unsympathetic treatment
2. (formerly) a brief period allowed to a condemned prisoner to make confession
3. make short shrift of
   to dispose of quickly and unsympathetically

Word History and Origins

Origin of short shrift¹

First recorded in 1585–95

Example Sentences

Even the tragic death of his son Rick, who died in a car accident in 1991, is given relatively short shrift.

From Los Angeles Times

Confounding matters is the short shrift that’s given to Ernst’s personal story.

From Los Angeles Times

Meanwhile, state and local health departments get short shrift.

From Salon

Tuesday, though, tends to get short shrift — or at least it did until 2014, when the rapper iLoveMakonnen released a ubiquitous ode to clubbing on the most banal day of the week.

From New York Times

Climate reporter Conrad Swanson gives short shrift to the viability of residential solar in the Pacific Northwest.

From Seattle Times