shortchange

verb

short·​change ˈshȯrt-ˈchānj 

shortchanged; shortchanging; shortchanges

transitive verb

1

: to give less than the correct amount of change to

2

: to deprive of or give less than something due : cheat

was shortchanged out of a promotion

shortchanger noun

Synonyms

• beat
• bilk
• bleed
• cheat
• chisel
• chouse
• con
• cozen
• defraud
• diddle
• do
• do in
• euchre
• fiddle
• fleece
• flimflam
• gaff
• hose [slang]
• hustle
• mulct
• nobble [British slang]
• pluck
• ream
• rip off
• rook
• screw
• shake down
• short
• skin
• skunk
• squeeze
• stick
• stiff
• sting
• sucker
• swindle
• thimblerig
• victimize

Examples of shortchange in a Sentence

The cashier shortchanged me. I gave her 10 dollars to pay for an $8.95 book, and she only gave me a dollar back.

The band shortchanged its fans by playing for only 30 minutes.

Recent Examples on the Web

Historically, landowners have often been shortchanged by tourism partners dictating the terms to fit only their business models and needs. —Mary Holland, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Dec. 2024

Walls must allow for more daylight and park views but without shortchanging space for paintings. —Justin Davidson, Curbed, 10 Dec. 2024

Metro Market and Pick ‘n Save stores across Wisconsin shortchanged customers by selling less food than advertised, the state's consumer protection agency said. —Genevieve Redsten, Journal Sentinel, 20 Nov. 2024

For years, the military services have shortchanged munitions in favor of new weapons systems and platforms. —Mitch McConnell, Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1903, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

shortchange

verb

short·​change -ˈchānj 

1

: to give less than the correct amount of change to

2

: to give less than due : cheat