Shortchanges

To 'shortchange' someone means to treat them unfairly or inadequately, typically by depriving them of something deserved or expected, such as money, time, respect, or opportunity. It implies a breach of trust, an act of deception, or a failure to fulfill obligations. The action can be intentional, stemming from a desire for personal gain, or unintentional, resulting from incompetence or oversight. Shortchanging can manifest in various contexts, from financial transactions to interpersonal relationships, impacting the victim's well-being and leading to feelings of resentment and dissatisfaction. It encompasses any situation where an individual receives less than what they rightfully should, undermining the perceived value of an exchange or agreement. Ultimately, 'shortchanging' signifies a deficit in fairness or equitable treatment.

Shortchanges meaning with examples

• The unscrupulous car salesman tried to shortchange the customer by inflating the price and withholding information about previous damage, exploiting their trust to make a higher profit. His deceitful behavior left the buyer feeling cheated and distrustful, damaging the car dealership’s reputation and the customer's confidence in future transactions. The dishonest practice was widely condemned as unethical and unprofessional.
• The company's decision to shortchange its employees' retirement plan by reducing contributions led to widespread dissatisfaction and anxiety. Many employees, having diligently saved for retirement, now faced the prospect of financial insecurity in their later years. This cost-cutting measure seriously damaged morale and led to a loss of trust in management, ultimately impacting productivity.
• The student felt the professor shortchanged them on their grade, citing vague feedback and a lack of detailed explanation. Believing their work deserved a better score, the student experienced disappointment and a sense of injustice. This negative experience diminished their motivation to engage with the subject and caused frustration with the grading system.
• The restaurant shortchanged the waiter on their tips by under-reporting the total receipts. The waiter, dependent on the tips to make a decent wage, was unfairly deprived of their earnings. The restaurant's actions damaged the waiter’s morale and created an environment of distrust. The dishonest practice could lead to staff turnover and reputational damage.