Short (Adverb)

Meaning ¹

Quickly and without warning; "he stopped suddenly".

Examples

• She stopped short in her tracks when she saw the snake.
• The music stopped short and the lights went out.
• He fell short of his goal and was disappointed.
• The bus stopped short of the curb and passengers had to jump down.
• The news came short of being a complete surprise to everyone.

Synonyms

• Dead
• Suddenly
• Abruptly

Meaning ²

So as to interrupt; "She took him up short before he could continue".

Meaning ³

In a curt, abrupt and discourteous manner; "he told me curtly to get on with it"; "he talked short with everyone"; "he said shortly that he didn't like it".

Examples

• She spoke short to the waiter, ordering her meal without a please or thank you.
• He talked short with his employees, never taking the time to explain his expectations.
• The manager said shortly that the meeting was over and everyone should leave.
• The customer service representative answered my questions short, clearly annoyed by my inquiry.
• The boss spoke short to the new intern, dismissing his ideas without consideration.

Synonyms

• Shortly
• Curtly

Meaning ⁴

At some point or distance before a goal is reached; "he fell short of our expectations".

Examples

• The team fell short of their goal to win the championship.
• She came up short on her savings and had to take out a loan.
• The new employee fell short of the company's expectations during the probation period.
• The ball landed short of the hole, requiring another putt.
• The project fell short of its deadline due to unforeseen complications.

Meaning ⁵

At a disadvantage; "I was caught short".

Synonyms

• Unawares

Meaning ⁶

Without possessing something at the time it is contractually sold; "he made his fortune by selling short just before the crash".

Meaning ⁷

Clean across; "the car's axle snapped short".