Compound adjectives use a two-word grouping to modify a noun. Compound adjectives very often use a hyphen. Here are some examples of compound adjectives:
short-handed
ice-cold
old-fashioned
fat-free
Notice how the two-word adjectives modify the noun in a sentence.
I always eat fat-free ice cream.
We visited an old-fashioned ice cream parlor.
They served ice-cold soda.
Some adjectives are compound adjectives.
It’s your turn. Find the compound adjective in this sentence: The short-handed staff worked hard all evening. Did you figure it out? Good for you!