student asking question

What does the word "shortchanged" mean? Can you show me some examples?

teacher

Native speaker’s answer

Rebecca

The phrase "short-changed" can have two meanings. The first is to give someone back less money than they are owed when the person is buying something from you. This is how it is being used in this context. Ex: I think I was shortchanged in the café, because I've only got $5 in my purse when I should have $10. The second meaning can be to treat someone unfairly, by giving them less than they deserve in some situation. Ex: Children who leave school unable to read and write are being shortchanged by their teachers.

Popular Q&As

03/24

Complete the expression with a quiz!