shortchange

[ shawrt-cheynj ]

verb (used with object)

, short·changed, short·chang·ing.

1. to give less than the correct change to.
2. to deal with unfairly or dishonestly, especially to cheat.

Other Words From

• shortchanger noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of shortchange¹

An Americanism dating back to 1890–95

Example Sentences

Across the country, BaronHR became known for issuing paychecks that shortchanged wages or bounced because of insufficient funds.

From New York Times

Decades later, Jones was awarded $9.4 million after a Los Angeles jury determined he’d been shortchanged millions in royalties by Jackson’s estate.

From Los Angeles Times

Trump repeated his false claims that the Federal Emergency Management Agency shortchanged hurricane victims by using money meant for disaster relief on undocumented immigrants.

From Los Angeles Times

Bloemeke filed complaints accusing the SBA of shortchanging Golden Ticket Cinemas and then failing to disburse those funds.

From Los Angeles Times

“Choosing to sit this one out is shortchanging our community at the time when we need the institution most.”

From Los Angeles Times