understaffed

adjective

un·​der·​staffed ˌən-dər-ˈstaft 

: inadequately staffed

understaffing

ˌən-dər-ˈsta-fiŋ 

noun

Examples of understaffed in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The show focuses on the fictional Toledo Truth Teller, an understaffed, more-than-slightly amateurish, failing publication that shares its office space with the Softees toilet paper company owned by its parent corporation. — Julie Hinds, Freep.com, 3 Sep. 2026

Mandating malnutrition reporting could increase the need for dietitians in already understaffed hospitals, or create overwhelming caseloads that could endanger patients and heighten the risk of RD burnout. — Lauren Chan, STAT, 1 Sep. 2026

Summary Key regulatory bodies, the SEC and CFTC, are severely understaffed, creating an unexpected obstacle for the crypto Clarity Act. — Cleve Mesidor, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026

And Height is their most exciting addition to a pass rush that still seems woefully understaffed. — Cam Inman, Mercury News, 13 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1891, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for understaffed

• antiaircraft
• choreographed
• chromatographed
• mimeographed
• abaft
• aircraft
• camshaft
• crankshaft
• downdraft
• engraft
• priestcraft
• redraft