shortchange UK /ʃɔːtˈtʃeɪnd͡ʒ/US /ʃɔɹtˈt͡ʃeɪnd͡ʒ/ verb2 •To defraud (someone) by giving them less change than they should be given after a transaction.I got shortchanged! I gave him $10 for a $5 item and he only gave me $1 back. •To deprive (someone or something) of something due; to treat unfairly; to cheat, deceive; to half-ass.The elective class was easy, but in the end I was shortchanging myself by taking it.This article's sparse discussion of tax-policy implications shortchanges the subject. formsshortchanged · shortchanging · shortchanges