shortchange

USAGE SUMMARY

'shortchange' is a correct and usable word in written English.
It can be used as a verb or a noun. As a verb, 'shortchange' means to give (someone) less change or money than is due. For example, "The cashier accidentally shortchanged me and I had to remind her to give me the correct amount." As a noun, 'shortchange' refers to the act of giving someone less than they are owed or deserve. For example, "I felt like I got shortchanged on my salary this year, I was expecting a higher raise." Overall, 'shortchange' can be used in any situation where there is a discrepancy or lack of something that is expected or deserved. For example, "The concert was great, but I felt like the band shortchanged us by only playing for an hour."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's cheaper to buy a flat in Manhattan than in Malabar Hill, and you can be sure that shoddy materials will shortchange you in Mumbai.

The Guardian

I'm no lawyer, but from a media perspective, it seems that United needs to get out ahead of this story and show that it does not shortchange its most loyal customers.

The Economist

Did John McCain and Lindsey Graham shortchange America in their declaration of victory?

The Economist

The government owes pensioners and civil servants €2.4 billion in April alone, and the it may be forced to choose whether to shortchange its lenders or the Greek people who put it in power.

The Economist

But shared universes can shortchange their audiences, too.

Independent

We shortchange our influence and our ability to shape events when that's the only tool we think we have in the toolbox".

The New Yorker

It was a well-deserved death: during the past decade, M.M.S. officials had let oil companies shortchange the government on oil-lease payments, accepted gifts from industry representatives, and, in some cases, literally slept with the people they were regulating.

The New Yorker

And off-the-books workers have no benefits or Social Security, and not much recourse if a boss decides to shortchange them.

The New Yorker

"I think doctors shortchange themselves," he said.

The New Yorker

House Democrats, who are preparing an alternative budget, say the Republican approach would cut off aid to some of the neediest Americans and shortchange education programs vital to staying economically competitive.

The New York Times

To the Editor: Your conclusion — "that poorly designed courses can seriously shortchange the most vulnerable students" — is obviously correct.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "shortchange" in the context of depriving someone of an opportunity, ensure the sentence clearly indicates what they are being deprived of and the negative impact this has on them.

Common error

Avoid using "shortchange" solely for monetary contexts when you intend to convey a broader sense of deprivation, such as emotional support or recognition. If you want to express the lack of appreciation, consider alternatives like "underestimate" or "undervalue".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shortchange" primarily functions as a transitive verb. It describes the act of depriving someone of something they are due, whether it be money, opportunities, or fair treatment. As Ludwig AI explains, this is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Unknown

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "shortchange" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe the act of depriving someone of something they deserve, whether it be money, opportunities, or fair treatment. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in News & Media contexts. While synonyms like "defraud" and "cheat" exist, "shortchange" often carries a nuanced connotation of unfairness or a lack of adequate compensation. When using "shortchange", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being withheld and its impact on the affected party.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

defraud

Implies a deliberate act of deception to deprive someone of money or rights, similar to "shortchange" but often involving more significant losses.

cheat

A broad term for acting dishonestly to gain an advantage, which can include "shortchanging" someone in a transaction or situation.

rip off

Informal term for overcharging or deceiving someone, resulting in them paying too much or receiving less than they deserve.

swindle

Suggests a sophisticated or elaborate scheme to deceive someone out of their money or possessions.

deprive

Focuses on the act of withholding something from someone, whether it's tangible or intangible, aligning with the broader sense of "shortchange".

exploit

Emphasizes using someone or something unfairly for one's own advantage, often at the expense of the other party.

do someone out of

An idiomatic way of saying to deprive someone of something through deceit or unfair means.

skimp on

Means to be stingy or frugal, often resulting in a lower quality or quantity than expected or deserved.

lowball

To make a deliberately low offer or estimate, intending to deceive or gain an unfair advantage.

begrudge

To give reluctantly or resentfully, implying a withholding of something that is due or deserved.

FAQs

How can I use "shortchange" in a sentence?

"Shortchange" can be used when someone is given less than what they deserve, whether it's money, time, or opportunity. For example, "The company tried to "shortchange" its employees by cutting benefits."

What are some synonyms for "shortchange"?

Alternatives to "shortchange" include "defraud", "cheat", or "rip off". The best choice depends on the specific context and the intended nuance.

Is it appropriate to use "shortchange" in formal writing?

While "shortchange" is widely understood, it can sometimes sound informal. In formal writing, consider using stronger alternatives such as "deprive" or "defraud" for a more professional tone.

What's the difference between "shortchange" and "underestimate"?

"Shortchange" implies a deliberate or unintentional act of giving less than what's due, while "underestimate" means to misjudge or undervalue someone or something. You "shortchange" someone's effort but "underestimate" their potential.