What does shortish mean?
Shortish means somewhat short or relatively short, with the exact degree left deliberately approximate. It is useful when a thing is clearly shorter than one might expect but does not merit an absolute description: a “shortish walk” may still be a considerable distance, while a “shortish meeting” may last long enough to cover several topics. The word is informal and conversational, combining the ordinary adjective “short” with the suffix “-ish,” which softens the statement and signals approximation. It is common in British English and also understood in US English, especially in speech. Unlike “short,” it does not necessarily imply that something is brief in an important or troublesome way; it simply places it toward the shorter end of a scale. “Shortish” is consequently often a practical, gently noncommittal way to describe length, duration, distance, or time.
adjectiveSomewhat or relatively short in length, duration, or time. Informal and often used when the exact length is approximate.
- Somewhat short; relatively short in length, duration, or time.
"We took a shortish walk before stopping for coffee."
"The presentation was shortish, but it covered the main points."
"They moved to a shortish hotel room with a surprisingly large kitchen."
“Shortish” is the conversational escape hatch for when something is not quite short, but not long enough to deserve the full word “long.”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does shortish come from?
The word is formed from the English adjective “short” and the suffix “-ish.” “Short” comes from Old English “sceort,” while “-ish” is an English suffix that commonly forms adjectives indicating a degree or approximation. Both elements were established in English before the combination became a separate adjective. The formation follows a productive English pattern in which “-ish” adds an approximate or slightly modified meaning to a base word.
How shortish is actually used
Informal and mildly British in overall usage, though understandable and increasingly used in US English as well. It is especially common in speech and informal writing, rather than formal or literary contexts.