Short-changed

To be treated unfairly; to receive less than one deserves, especially in terms of money, opportunity, or respect. It implies being deprived of something rightfully owed or due, leaving a feeling of dissatisfaction or injustice. This can manifest in various contexts, from receiving less change than expected to experiencing unequal treatment in a professional environment or in a personal relationship. The core meaning centers on a sense of being cheated or not getting the full benefit or advantage one should have received.

Short-changed meaning with examples

• After calculating the bill, the customer realized the cashier had given her back less change than she was owed. She felt completely short-changed, immediately going back to the counter to correct the mistake and receive her full amount. It was a blatant error that left her feeling frustrated and unfairly treated after waiting in line.
• The employee felt short-changed when he discovered a colleague with less experience and the same role was receiving a significantly higher salary. He believed his hard work and loyalty to the company were not valued, and his compensation didn’t reflect his contribution compared to his peers.
• The movie critic felt short-changed by the film's rushed ending. The plot had built up a lot of promise, but the final scenes provided unsatisfying answers to important questions. The hasty resolution left the audience with a sense of being cheated out of a fulfilling narrative experience.
• The homeowner felt short-changed after the contractor completed the renovation. The work was subpar, and the quality of the materials was not as agreed upon. The homeowner had poured their trust and money into the project and was not happy with what was delivered.
• Despite her accomplishments, the author realized she'd been short-changed by her publisher when it came to promoting her books. The lack of marketing support severely limited the sales of her published works and stopped the book from reaching its full potential. She felt underappreciated for her talent.