anemic

adjective

ane·​mic ə-ˈnē-mik 

1

: relating to or affected with anemia

The blood test indicated that he was slightly anemic.

2

a

: lacking force, vitality, or spirit

an anemic rendition of the song

anemic efforts at enforcement

b

: lacking interest or savor (see savor entry 1 sense 3) : insipid

anemic wines

c

: lacking in substance or quantity

anemic returns on an investment

anemic attendance

anemically

ə-ˈnē-mi-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Examples of anemic in a Sentence

The doctor told me I was slightly anemic.

The band played an anemic rendition of a classic love song.

Investors are worried about the stock's anemic performance.

Officials worried about anemic attendance at the shows.

Sales rose an anemic 0.5 percent last quarter.

Recent Examples on the Web

Their unsightly displays on special teams and anemic offensive output left them with little to hang their hat on, especially since their respectable goals-against numbers often came at the expense of their attack. —Andrew Knoll, Daily News, 9 June 2026

Forget 2008’s anemic snoozer of a remake from Scott Derrickson, starring Keanu Reeves. —Randy Myers, Mercury News, 8 June 2026

By comparison, the current growth looks anemic. —Daniel Alarcón, New Yorker, 4 June 2026

Yes, that sounds anemic compared with the hundreds-strong roster in previous Lego games. —Gabriel Zamora, PC Magazine, 26 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

see anemia

First Known Use

1826, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for anemic

• ischaemic
• ischemic
• leukemic
• phonemic
• racemic
• uraemic
• uremic
• hyperemic
• hyperglycemic
• hypoglycemic