View synonyms for

short shrift

noun

little attention or consideration in dealing with a person or matter.
She'll give short shrift to such a weak argument.
a brief time for confession or absolution given to a condemned prisoner before their execution.

short shrift

noun

brief and unsympathetic treatment
(formerly) a brief period allowed to a condemned prisoner to make confession
to dispose of quickly and unsympathetically

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Word History and Origins

Origin of short shrift¹

First recorded in 1585–95

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

But the fate of Palestinian people and the war in Gaza, where the dead are piling up in recent days under an Israeli onslaught, appears to have received short shrift.

From

It’s an evocative through line, to be sure, but it’s given short shrift, and doesn’t end up having the emotional or political impact that it might have.

From

“John Proctor” initiates a conversation with Arthur Miller’s “The Crucible” about the way the suffering of women in this American classic is given painfully short shrift.

From

He left the impression that research into genetic or prenatal causes will get short shrift in grants from the National Institutes of Health, which comes under his jurisdiction.

From

Both the German parallel and Lord Blunkett's suggestion get short shrift from senior government figures.

From

short short story shortsighted

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