1. having fewer people than needed or usual to do a job or activity

Examples

• The restaurant was shorthanded during the busy dinner rush.
• We’re shorthanded at the office this week because two people are on vacation.
• The hockey team played shorthanded after receiving a penalty.
• The hospital has been shorthanded since several nurses quit.
• Our department is shorthanded, so everyone has to work extra hours.
• The store was shorthanded on Black Friday despite hiring temporary workers.