be caught short

VERB

risk

Synonyms

STRONGEST

compromise defy endanger imperil jeopardize

STRONG

adventure beard brave chance confront dare encounter face gamble hazard jeopardy meet menace peril plunge speculate tackle venture wager

WEAK

defy danger expose to danger go out of one's depth hang by a thread leap before looking leave to luck play with fire put in jeopardy run the chance run the risk skate on thin ice take a flyer take a header take a plunge take on take the liberty

Antonyms

STRONGEST

guard protect save

STRONG

avoid be careful design dodge hide neglect plan retreat run away

WEAK

be certain

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"If you aren't aware of that, you could be caught short without the right gear," she said.

From BBC • Apr. 19, 2025

“How do we get resources online faster? Because we don’t want to be caught short again.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 28, 2023

Bibliophiles will never be caught short in Edinburgh.

From New York Times • Dec. 21, 2022

But now you'll never be caught short of powdered sugar again.

From Salon • Feb. 14, 2022

We are caught short of scientific men just as in the event of a war with Germany we shall almost certainly be caught short of scientific sailors and soldiers.

From An Englishman Looks at the World by Wells, H. G. (Herbert George)

be caught short

Example Sentences

Related Words