shortness

noun

Etymology: From Middle English schortnesse, from Old English sċortnes, sċeortnys, equivalent to short + -ness.

1. The property of being short, of being small of stature or brief.

   “the shortness of a stubby pencil”

   “the patient's shortness of breath”

2. The result or product of being short.
3. The property of being short or terse.

   “I was chastened by the shortness of her reply.”