short-handed

Adjective

shorthanded (comparative more shorthanded, superlative most shorthanded)

1. Lacking sufficient staff or people, as for normal or efficient operations.
   • The tiny restaurant usually got by with three workers on that shift, but found itself shorthanded when the tour bus pulled in.
2. Having less than a quorum.
   • Neither the code nor the case law discuss whether or how the power of a shorthanded school board should be curtailed1994, Alabama Court of Appeals, Louisiana. Courts of Appeal, Florida. District Court of Appeals, West's southern reporter, page 1120
3. (team sports) Having, or occurring during an interval with, fewer than a full complement of players, often as the result of a penalty.
   • “Scoring a shorthanded goal gives the team a lift,” Lefley said. “We've been picking our spots and making the most of them.2014, Jeremy Rutherford, 100 Things Blues Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die, →ISBN, page 246
4. Having fewer than the standard number of players.
   • Some of the ideas discussed in the Omaha eight-or-better section include general concepts, position, low hands, high hands, your starting hand, play on the flop, multi-way versus shorthanded play, scare cards, getting counterfeited, and your playing style.1992, Ray Zee, High-Low-Split Poker, Seven-Card Stud and Omaha Eight-Or-Better for Advanced Players

See all 5 meanings of shorthanded