short time: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Business/HR; Formal; British-leaning.
Quick answer
What does “short time” mean?
A work arrangement where employees work fewer hours than normal, typically as a cost-saving measure by an employer, often preceding layoffs.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A work arrangement where employees work fewer hours than normal, typically as a cost-saving measure by an employer, often preceding layoffs.
A temporary period of reduced activity or scarcity. In informal contexts, can refer to a brief duration of time, though this is less common as a fixed phrase.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term "short-time working" is standard and common in UK business/HR contexts. In the US, the concept exists but terms like "reduced hours," "temporary layoff," or "furlough" are more prevalent. Using "short time" for this specific meaning may sound distinctly British to American ears.
Connotations
In the UK, it carries a formal, industrial-relations connotation, often involving negotiation with unions. In the US, where it's rarely used, it lacks this specific institutional baggage.
Frequency
High frequency in UK business news and HR. Low frequency in US English; considered a Britishism in this specific sense.
Grammar
How to Use “short time” in a Sentence
The company put/placed the staff on short time.200 workers are (working) on short time.Management has introduced short-time working.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “short time” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The manufacturer may have to short-time half its workforce. (rare, but possible in business reporting)
American English
- (Not used as a verb in US English)
adverb
British English
- (Not used as an adverb)
American English
- (Not used as an adverb)
adjective
British English
- The staff agreed to a short-time working arrangement.
American English
- (Adjectival use is uncommon; 'temporary reduced-hour' would be used.)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
The factory introduced short time to avoid making redundancies.
Academic
The study examined the psychological impact of short-time working on manufacturing employees.
Everyday
"Dad's on short time at the plant, so money's a bit tight this month."
Technical
The collective agreement includes provisions for the implementation of short-time working with a minimum of 72 hours' notice.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “short time”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “short time”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “short time”
- Using it to mean 'a short period' (e.g., 'I'll be there in a short time').
- Confusing it with 'part-time job'.
- Using it as an adjective without a hyphen (e.g., 'short time work' should be 'short-time work').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Short time' means your hours are reduced, but you are still employed. It is often used as an alternative to firing (redundancy/layoff).
While the individual words can mean that, the fixed phrase 'short time' (often hyphenated as 'short-time' when used adjectivally) almost always refers to the work arrangement. Using it to mean 'a brief period' sounds unnatural and is best avoided.
No. The specific employment concept is common, but Americans typically use terms like 'temporary layoff', 'furlough', or 'reduced hours'. 'Short time' is a recognised British business term.
'Short-time working' is a temporary, often involuntary reduction from a full-time contract, usually due to economic difficulties. 'Part-time work' is a permanent, regular contract for fewer hours per week, and is not necessarily linked to a company's financial problems.
A work arrangement where employees work fewer hours than normal, typically as a cost-saving measure by an employer, often preceding layoffs.
Short time is usually business/hr; formal; british-leaning. in register.
Short time: in British English it is pronounced /ˌʃɔːt ˈtaɪm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌʃɔːrt ˈtaɪm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly; the phrase itself is a fixed term.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think SHORT TIME = SHORTER TIMECARD. The hours on your work schedule are cut short.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS A RESOURCE (which is being rationed/scarcely allocated).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the phrase 'short time' MOST likely used correctly?