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

These crucial fields are severely understaffed, causing long wait times and untreated conditions, particularly in rural areas. — John Samuels, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026

Currently, employees who leave or retire aren’t replaced, except for those on the nursing team, which is hiring but still understaffed. — Kate Wells, Miami Herald, 4 Aug. 2026

The missteps left stores understaffed and drained the company of the financial firepower needed to invest in upgrading them. — Phil Wahba, Fortune, 3 Aug. 2026

Currently, employees who leave or retire aren't replaced, except for those on the nursing team, which is hiring but still understaffed. — Kate Wells, NPR, 1 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