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.
Social Security’s long-term outlook was already troubled before Trump, and these drastic reductions make the understaffed agency even less equipped to support those who rely on it. Charley Locke, The Atlantic, 13 June 2025 At the weather service, NOAA is conducting short-term temporary duty assignments and has offered reassignment opportunities to try to move people around to the most understaffed offices. Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 6 June 2025 In its aftermath, regional forecast offices in at least six different cities are critically understaffed, according to multiple people interviewed for this story. Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 31 May 2025 Several departments were critically understaffed and staff morale critically damaged. Tima Bansal, Forbes.com, 30 May 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 29 Jun. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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