short-handed

[ shawrt-han-did ]

adjective

1. not having the usual or necessary number of workers, helpers, etc.

short-handed

adjective

1. lacking the usual or necessary number of assistants, workers, etc
2. sport with less than the full complement of players

Derived Forms

• ˌshort-ˈhandedness, noun

Other Words From

• short-handed·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of short-handed¹

First recorded in 1615–25

Example Sentences

UCLA’s troubles moving the ball on the ground went beyond a short-handed offensive line, Foster said.

From Los Angeles Times

With four weeks to go, much can still go awry for a Dodgers team that remains short-handed on the mound.

From Los Angeles Times

So far, they’ve been able to do so without pressing their short-handed roster.

From Los Angeles Times

Given his club’s struggles earlier this summer, and the questions that continue to surround its short-handed pitching staff, the manager was wary not to take anything for granted.

From Los Angeles Times

Ryan’s injury is the latest blow to a short-handed pitching staff that continued a particularly alarming pattern of injuries among young Dodgers pitchers.

From Los Angeles Times