short-handed

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.

Necessity is the mother of invention, as the saying goes, so forcing a team to play short-handed could compel remaining employees to find productivity hacks faster than they otherwise would have.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026

The Houston Rockets, fueled by Alperen Sengun's triple-double and some timely baskets from superstar Kevin Durant, rallied to beat the short-handed NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder 112-106 on Saturday.

From Barron's • Feb. 8, 2026

James has had some promising moments, especially when the Lakers were short-handed earlier this season, showing quicker decision making and increased confidence shooting the ball.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 29, 2026

Chief executive Jeremy Dale pulled pints at the final home game against Mansfield in April, while director Andrew Shanahan jumped behind the bar to help short-handed staff earlier in the season.

From BBC • Aug. 6, 2025

Friday, she had to work straight through—a sixteen-hour shift—because the company was short-handed on account of an influenza epidemic.

From "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" by Betty Smith