shorthanded

adjective

1. Lacking sufficient staff or people, as for normal or efficient operations.

- The tiny restaurant usually got by with three workers on that shift, but found itself shorthanded when the tour bus pulled in.

2. Having less than a quorum.

3. (team sports) Having, or occurring during an interval with, fewer than a full complement of players, often as the result of a penalty.

4. (poker, of a table) Having fewer than the standard number of players.

adverb

1. In a shorthanded manner.