Shortness Meaning
/ʃˈɔrtnəs/Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
Listen pronunciation
Definition
nounThe property of being short, of being small of stature or brief.
nounThe result or product of being short.
Sentence Examples
Possible side effects include blurred vision and shortness of breath.
Wherever there is length, there is shortness.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
None
CEFR Practice Quiz
The ____ of the speech made it easy to remember for everyone.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
High altitude can often cause ____ of breath for mountain climbers who aren't properly acclimated to the thin air.
Word Origin & History
From Middle English schortnesse, from Old English sċortnes, sċeortnys, equivalent to short + -ness.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"From time to time in both directions the engine was blowing off, so there was no shortness of steam."
— 1956 October, Cecil J. Allen, “British Locomotive Practice and Performance”, in Railway Magazine, page 688:
"But on the whole the Southern Region, in view of the relative shortness of so many of its journeys, is to be commended for its provision of refreshment facilities; [...]."
— 1959 March, “Talking of Trains: Fewer meals on wheels?”, in Trains Illustrated, page 121:
"CNN spoke recently with several Conyers residents who said they still have blurry vision, shortness of breath, throat irritation or chronic headaches since the chemical plant fire."
— 2024 November 24, Chris Boyette, “Investigators release update on BioLab chemical plant fire probe”, in CNN, archived from the original on 30 Aug 2025:
Explore More B2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The ____ of the speech made it easy to remember for everyone.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
High altitude can often cause ____ of breath for mountain climbers who aren't properly acclimated to the thin air.