shortchange

verb

Etymology: From short + change.

1. To defraud (someone) by giving them less change than they should be given after a transaction.

   “I got shortchanged! I gave him $10 for a $5 item and he only gave me $1 back.”

2. To deprive (someone or something) of something due; to treat unfairly; to cheat, deceive; to half-ass.

   “The elective class was easy, but in the end I was shortchanging myself by taking it.”

   “This article's sparse discussion of tax-policy implications shortchanges the subject.”