shortness crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're tackling the clue "shortness" in your crossword puzzle, you've come to the right place. We've compiled all possible answers, organized by letter count, to help you complete your puzzle efficiently.
Solutions for "shortness crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
LACK: An absence or not enough of something.
7 Letters
BREVITY: The quality of being brief in duration or speech.
PAUCITY: The presence of something only in small or insufficient quantities or amounts.
8 Letters
SCARCITY: The state of being scarce or in short supply.
9 Letters
SHORTFALL: A deficit of something required.
10 Letters
DEFICIENCY: A lack or shortage of something.
11 Letters
CONCISENESS: The quality of being concise.
More About "shortness crossword clue"
"Shortness" is a versatile clue in crosswords, often pointing to a deficiency, a brief period, or a limited supply. Depending on the context and the number of letters, the answer can vary widely, from a simple "LACK" to more complex words like "DEFICIENCY" or "CONCISENESS." Understanding the nuances of "shortness" is key to solving these clues.
Clues involving "shortness" frequently appear in daily puzzles, testing a solver's vocabulary around concepts of reduction, insufficiency, or conciseness. Pay close attention to any additional words in the clue, as they often narrow down the precise meaning and lead you to the correct answer among similar-length options.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Clue's Nuance: "Shortness" can mean different things. Is it about time (brevity), quantity (lack, scarcity), or even speech (conciseness)? The precise meaning will guide your answer.
- Count Your Letters Carefully: The most crucial tip for any crossword. Once you have a potential answer like "SCARCITY" or "PAUCITY," double-check if its letter count matches the grid.
- Consider Synonyms and Antonyms: Sometimes thinking of words opposite to "shortness" (e.g., abundance, length) can help you brainstorm related terms that fit the "shortness" category.
- Use Cross-References: If some letters are already filled from intersecting words, use them to confirm or rule out potential answers. This is often the quickest way to solve challenging clues.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose the best answer for a 'shortness' crossword clue?
To choose the best answer for 'shortness', consider the number of letters required by the puzzle. Also, think about the specific context of 'shortness' – does it refer to time (brevity), quantity (lack, scarcity, paucity), or physical dimension (rarely, but possible in specific clues)? Look at surrounding letters for further hints.
Can 'shortness' imply physical size in crosswords?
While 'shortness' most commonly refers to lack of quantity or time in crosswords (e.g., 'shortness of breath' or 'brevity'), it can occasionally imply physical size. This is less common but could appear with a very specific clue, perhaps hinting at a diminutive stature or a cropped item. Always cross-reference with the letter count and surrounding words.
What's the difference between 'scarcity' and 'lack' in a crossword context?
'Lack' (4 letters) generally implies an absence or not having enough of something. 'Scarcity' (8 letters) suggests a condition where something is in short supply, often due to limited availability or high demand, making it less common. Both convey 'shortness' but differ in nuance and length, which is crucial for crosswords.