shortness
nounEtymology From Middle English schortnesse, from Old English sċortnes, sċeortnys, equivalent to short + -ness.
1
The property of being short, of being small of stature or brief.
- the shortness of a stubby pencil
- the patient's shortness of breath
3 more examples
- From time to time in both directions the engine was blowing off, so there was no shortness of steam.1956 October, Cecil J. Allen, “British Locomotive Practice and Performance”, in Railway Magazine, page 688:
- But on the whole the Southern Region, in view of the relative shortness of so many of its journeys, is to be commended for its provision of refreshment facilities; [...].1959 March, “Talking of Trains: Fewer meals on wheels?”, in Trains Illustrated, page 121:
- CNN spoke recently with several Conyers residents who said they still have blurry vision, shortness of breath, throat irritation or chronic headaches since the chemical plant fire.2024 November 24, Chris Boyette, “Investigators release update on BioLab chemical plant fire probe”, in CNN, archived from the original on 30 Aug 2025:
2
The result or product of being short.
3
The property of being short or terse.
- I was chastened by the shortness of her reply.
- Derived terms
- shortness of breath