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.
Some pundits see Hagens as a tad undersized for a center, and the Hawks already have enough of those types. Phil Thompson, Chicago Tribune, 26 June 2025 For now, there is the speculation of the choice potentially being Walter Clayton Jr., the undersized scoring guard with the big heart who helped lead the University of Florida to this year’s NCAA championship. Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 25 June 2025 Sometimes the electrical service is undersized or not up to code. William Jones, USA Today, 23 June 2025 Consider the Dolphins lucky because this undersized hybrid linebacker, who sparingly played with the Saints last season, has showcased himself as a playmaker. Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 13 June 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Undersized.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/undersized. Accessed 8 Jul. 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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