short-cut: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral to informal; can be technical in computing contexts.
Quick answer
What does “short-cut” mean?
A quicker, more direct, or easier way to reach a destination or achieve a goal, often bypassing the official or longer route.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A quicker, more direct, or easier way to reach a destination or achieve a goal, often bypassing the official or longer route.
Any method, technique, or solution that saves time, effort, or resources, but may involve omitting steps, potentially compromising quality or thoroughness. In computing, a file that serves as a link to another file, folder, or program.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The hyphenated form 'short-cut' is more common in UK English for the noun and verb, while 'shortcut' (one word) is standard in US English. The verb past tense is more likely to be 'short-cut' in UK English and 'shortcutted' in US English.
Connotations
Similar in both varieties, though the computing sense is universally standard.
Frequency
Very common in both varieties; the one-word form is increasing in global use due to computing terminology.
Grammar
How to Use “short-cut” in a Sentence
to short-cut [through/across] NPto short-cut NP (the process)to take a short-cut to NPVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “short-cut” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- You can't short-cut the safety checks.
- They short-cut across the field.
American English
- He shortcutted the approval process.
- Don't try to shortcut the training.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to strategies or processes that reduce time/cost, e.g., 'We need a short-cut to market entry.'
Academic
Often used critically for methods that skip necessary steps or rigour, e.g., 'The study was accused of taking methodological short-cuts.'
Everyday
Common for physical routes, cooking, or study tips, e.g., 'I know a short-cut through the park.'
Technical
In computing, a file linking to another location; a keyboard combination for a command.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “short-cut”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “short-cut”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “short-cut”
- Using 'short way' instead of the fixed compound 'short-cut/shortcut'. Incorrect verb form: 'He shortcut' instead of 'He took a short-cut' or 'He short-cut the process'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Both are correct. 'Shortcut' (one word) is standard in American English and in global computing terminology. 'Short-cut' (hyphenated) is traditional in British English, though the one-word form is also common.
Yes. It means to take a quicker or easier route, or to bypass usual steps (e.g., 'He short-cut the official procedure'). The past tense can be 'short-cut' or 'shortcutted'.
A file or icon that acts as a link to another file, folder, application, or website, allowing quick access from another location (like the desktop). Also, a keyboard combination (e.g., Ctrl+C) for a command.
No. It is neutral, meaning a quicker method. The connotation depends on context. It can be positive (efficient) or negative (negligent), depending on whether quality or rules are compromised.
A quicker, more direct, or easier way to reach a destination or achieve a goal, often bypassing the official or longer route.
Short-cut is usually neutral to informal; can be technical in computing contexts. in register.
Short-cut: in British English it is pronounced /ˈʃɔːt.kʌt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈʃɔːrt.kʌt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “There are no short-cuts to success.”
- “He's a great believer in short-cuts.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of CUTTING the journey SHORT.
Conceptual Metaphor
JOURNEY/GOAL-ACHIEVEMENT IS A PATH; EFFORT IS DISTANCE (reducing distance reduces effort).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'short-cut' LEAST likely to have a negative connotation?