This is the 12745th most frequent Russian word.
кратчайший
"Кратчайший" means "shortest."
Here, 'кратчайший' is used to describe the path as being the shortest, in the sense of minimal distance or easiest way.
Мы выбрали кратчайший путь к успеху.
We chose the shortest path to success.
In this context, 'кратчайшие' refers to time characterized by the shortest duration needed to achieve something.
Она поставила перед собой задачу решить это в кратчайшие сроки.
She set herself the task of solving this in the shortest possible time.
Here, 'кратчайший' refers to the route, emphasizing the shortest and most direct option to reach the destination.