be shortchanged

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be shortchanged" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a situation where someone feels they have received less than what they deserve or expected, often in terms of money or value. Example: "After reviewing the bill, I realized I had been shortchanged on the services provided."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We continue to be shortchanged.

The Guardian - Sport

When you look at park rangers, comfort stations and other amenities, we seem to be shortchanged".

The New York Times

The RCN renewal is expected before the City Council shortly and the public could be shortchanged.

The New York Times

Since governments usually pursue social as well as economic goals, other shareholders may be shortchanged.

The Economist

As a result, those who really were truly harmed by bank behavior will be shortchanged.

The New York Times

But why should I be shortchanged now just because I'm single?

The New York Times

"There are memorable films and they should not be shortchanged," Mr. Newman reminded.

The New York Times

Will voters now be shortchanged even more in having time to observe and ponder choices?

The New York Times

This is the wrong time of the year to come, and we're going to be shortchanged".

The New York Times

If the politicians keep talking solely about tax cuts for the rich, whether for or against, everyone will be shortchanged.

The New York Times

Connectivity is critical for care transformation, and data is critical for connectivity, so until these public rates are transparent, Americans will continue to be shortchanged.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be shortchanged" to clearly indicate a sense of unfair deprivation, whether it's in monetary terms or in terms of opportunities or benefits.

Common error

Avoid using "be shortchanged" when simply referring to a lack of something; it implies a sense of injustice or unfairness, not merely absence. Consider alternatives like "lack" or "miss out on" if there's no implication of being deliberately deprived.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be shortchanged" functions as a passive verb phrase. It indicates that the subject of the sentence is the recipient of an action (being deprived of something) rather than the actor. Ludwig examples demonstrate its usage in contexts where individuals or entities are unfairly receiving less than they deserve.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

12%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be shortchanged" is a versatile and commonly used expression to convey a sense of unfair deprivation or being cheated. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, primarily in news and media. While alternatives like "be cheated" or "be defrauded" exist, "be shortchanged" strikes a balance between formality and relatability, making it suitable for a wide range of communication. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly implies a sense of injustice rather than a mere lack of something.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be cheated

Direct synonym indicating deception and loss.

be defrauded

Implies a deliberate act of deception to deprive someone of something.

be swindled

Suggests being tricked out of money or possessions.

be ripped off

Informal term for being overcharged or deceived.

be diddled

Informal and less common term for being cheated.

be deprived

General term for lacking something necessary or desired.

be shorted

Focuses on receiving less than what is due.

be undersold

Suggests a lack of value or recognition.

be underserved

Indicates inadequate service or attention.

be undervalued

Suggests that something's worth is not properly appreciated.

FAQs

What does it mean to "be shortchanged"?

To "be shortchanged" means to be given less than what is due or deserved, often in terms of money or value. It implies a sense of unfairness or being cheated.

How can I use "be shortchanged" in a sentence?

You can use "be shortchanged" to describe situations where someone receives less than expected. For example, "The community felt they would "be shortchanged" if the funding was cut."

What can I say instead of "be shortchanged"?

You can use alternatives like "be cheated", "be defrauded", or "be ripped off" depending on the context.

Is "be shortchanged" a formal or informal expression?

"Be shortchanged" is generally considered a neutral expression, suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although alternatives like "be ripped off" are more informal.