at short notice

/ət ʃɔrt ˈnoʊtɪs/
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With very little warning or time to prepare; chiefly British English.

Examples

  • The team had to change its plans at short notice.
  • The meeting was arranged at short notice.
  • We cannot replace the speaker at short notice.
  • She found a babysitter at short notice.
  • Can you travel at short notice?

Similar words

with little preparation
with little warning
at the last minute

Meanings

With little warning

planning
neutral
In British English, with only a brief period between learning of a need and acting on it.

Examples

  • Can you travel at short notice?
  • The meeting was arranged at short notice.
  • We cannot replace the speaker at short notice.
  • She found a babysitter at short notice.
  • The team had to change its plans at short notice.

Similar words

Etymology

Notice here means advance warning. A short notice period leaves little time before an action is needed.

FAQ

What does at short notice mean?

It means with little advance warning or preparation time.

Is at short notice British English?

It is especially common in British English; North American English often uses on short notice.

Can a meeting be arranged at short notice?

Yes. It is arranged with little time beforehand.

Does at short notice mean immediately?

Not necessarily. It means there is little time to prepare.

What is the North American form of at short notice?

On short notice is common in North American English.

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