undersized

adjective

un·​der·​sized ˌən-dər-ˈsīzd How to pronounce undersized (audio)
variants or less commonly undersize
: of a size less than is common, proper, normal, or average
undersized trout

Examples of undersized in a Sentence

He is undersized for a basketball player. though a football all-star in high school, he was just a mediocre, undersized player at the college level
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
However, the undersized 20-year-old sniper has flipped a switch, notching four points in his last two games. Harman Dayal, New York Times, 22 May 2025 So Bam Adebayo would have to move back to center and the Heat go back to an undersized team in a league headed back to bigger lineups. Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 13 May 2025 While his production was impressive, the 22-year-old defender is significantly undersized for the NFL edge spot at 6-foot and 256 pounds. Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 11 May 2025 Robinson, who ran the 40-yard dash in 4.42 seconds, is undersized (6-0, 184). Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 4 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for undersized

Word History

First Known Use

1706, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of undersized was in 1706

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Cite this Entry

“Undersized.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/undersized. Accessed 1 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

undersized

adjective
un·​der·​sized ˌən-dər-ˈsīzd How to pronounce undersized (audio)
: smaller than is usual or standard
undersized fruit

More from Merriam-Webster on undersized

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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