shortness

From Middle English schortnesse, from Old English sċortness, sċeortnyss, equivalent to short +‎ -ness.

shortness (countable and uncountable, plural shortnesses)

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

   the shortness of a stubby pencil

   the patient's shortness of breath

   • 1959 March, “Talking of Trains: Fewer meals on wheels?”, in Trains Illustrated, page 121:

     But on the whole the Southern Region, in view of the relative shortness of so many of its journeys, is to be commended for its provision of refreshment facilities; [...].

2. (countable) The result or product of being short.
3. (uncountable) The property of being short or terse.

   I was chastened by the shortness of her reply.

• shortness of breath