shortness

noun

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”

   “From time to time in both directions the engine was blowing off, so there was no shortness of steam.”

   “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; [...].”

   “CNN spoke recently with several Conyers residents who said they still have blurry vision, shortness of breath, throat irritation or chronic headaches since the chemical plant fire.”

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.”