Short means not having a lot of distance, length, or height. It can also refer to a duration that is not long. In the context of lacking, short means not having enough of something or falling behind in some aspect. For example, if someone is short of money, it means they do not have enough money.
Note: The provided meaning of the answer is for the latest New York Times crossword puzzle clue: Curt. Explanations are generated by AI and may be inaccurate.