Definition

Adjective: * Having an insufficient number of workers or staff members to operate effectively. This describes a situation where an organization, team, or business does not have enough employees to handle its normal workload or responsibilities.

Usage

This adjective is typically used to describe a workplace, department, or team. It often implies that the existing staff is overworked or that services may be delayed or reduced. * It is commonly used with the verb to be (e.g., We are short-staffed). * It can be used attributively (before a noun) or predicatively (after a linking verb).

Examples

• Attributive use (before a noun):
  • The short-staffed restaurant had to close early.
  • Managers are struggling with short-staffed departments.
• Predicative use (after a linking verb):
  • The hospital is short-staffed this weekend.
  • We will be short-staffed until the new hires start next month.

Advanced Usage

• "to run short-staffed": To operate intentionally or unintentionally with fewer staff than is ideal.
  • The store often runs short-staffed on weekdays.
• The term often carries a connotation of stress, reduced efficiency, or lower quality of service due to the lack of personnel.

Variants and Related Words

• Short-handed (adjective): A direct synonym, often used interchangeably with "short-staffed," especially in North American English.
  • The team was short-handed for the important project.
• Understaffed (adjective): Another very close synonym, emphasizing that the staffing level is below what is required or adequate.
  • An understaffed police force.
• Overworked (adjective): Describes the state of the existing staff, which is a common result of being short-staffed.
  • The overworked nurses demanded better conditions.

Synonyms

• Understaffed
• Short-handed
• Undermanned
• Shorthanded

Antonyms

• Fully staffed
• Overstaffed
• Well-staffed

Adjective

1. inadequate in number of workers or assistants etc.
   • they're rather short-handed at the moment
   • overcrowded and understaffed hospitals