noun B2 Upper-Intermediate

shortness

Shortness (noun) means the state or quality of being short, in height, length, or duration. Example: “Shortness of breath can be a sign of many conditions.”

noun

The state or quality of being short, in height, length, or duration.

"Shortness of breath can be a sign of many conditions."

"The shortness of the interview surprised everyone."

How to Use Shortness

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe quality of being short.

Common pairings

shortness of breath shortness of temper

Word Forms

shortnesses plural

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Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

_____ of breath can be a sign of many conditions.

Etymology

From short + -ness.

Synonyms

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curtness gruffness truncation abruptness brusqueness

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “shortness” mean?

The word “shortness” means the state or quality of being short, in height, length, or duration. In plain terms, the quality of being short.

How do you use “shortness” in a sentence?

Here is “shortness” used in a sentence: “Shortness of breath can be a sign of many conditions.”

What part of speech is “shortness”?

“Shortness” is a noun.

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