adjective

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.

3. (team sports) Having, or occurring during an interval with, fewer than a full complement of players, often as the result of a penalty.

adverb

1. In a shorthanded manner.

Synonyms: short-staffed, undermanned, understaffed