Shortcut

A shortcut is a faster or more direct way of reaching a destination, achieving a goal, or completing a task. It often involves deviating from the standard or prescribed method to save time, effort, or resources. Shortcuts can range from physical paths and alternative routes to streamlined procedures and simplified techniques. The effectiveness of a shortcut depends on various factors, including the context, the desired outcome, and potential trade-offs like increased risk or reduced thoroughness. While beneficial for efficiency, shortcuts may also entail unforeseen consequences or compromise the quality of the result if not implemented thoughtfully.

Shortcut meaning with examples

• To avoid the traffic, I took a shortcut through the backstreets, which cut my commute time in half. This route was much quicker and less stressful than the usual highway. However, it involved navigating some narrow lanes. I make this shortcut often when I want to be on time for appointments.
• The software developer used a shortcut by leveraging existing libraries to implement a feature instead of writing the code from scratch. This saved significant time and effort. The shortcut improved efficiency. Though, it made it challenging to fully understand and adjust that feature, which sometimes caused technical debt.
• When studying for the exam, she created shortcut notes summarizing key concepts instead of rereading the entire textbook. These notes provided an efficient review and helped her focus on the most important information. However, she worried they might skip critical details. She hoped her shortcut would work well.
• The chef learned a shortcut for making hollandaise sauce, using an immersion blender rather than the traditional whisking method. This shortcut sped up the process without sacrificing the flavor or texture. He had to practice the shortcut method several times to be perfect.