understaffed

adjective

un·​der·​staffed ˌən-dər-ˈstaft How to pronounce understaffed (audio)
: inadequately staffed
understaffing noun

Examples of understaffed in a Sentence

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.
Some of their equipment may need maintenance, and some units are understaffed. Barry R. Posen, Foreign Affairs, 21 Apr. 2025 Weather service offices are severely understaffed and underfunded. Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025 The program was already understaffed beyond its statutory authorized level, and the recent cuts will add further chaos, Chevat said. Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2025 The hard truth is that most European military forces are understaffed, their equipment aging. Ned Temko, Christian Science Monitor, 27 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for understaffed

Word History

First Known Use

1891, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of understaffed was in 1891

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Cite this Entry

“Understaffed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/understaffed. Accessed 28 Apr. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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