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

Gonzales, meanwhile, has reported more anemic fundraising. —Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 16 Apr. 2026

People who are anemic or who have lost a lot of blood often have pale lips. —Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Apr. 2026

The team’s early, anemic offense came with starter Max Fried holding the game together, pitching eight innings while allowing six hits, no walks and striking out six batters. —Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 12 Apr. 2026

Seattle’s pitching was supposed to be its strength, and the Mariners staff has performed well up to this point, but so far the club hasn’t been able to overcome its anemic offense. —Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 12 Apr. 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
• uremic
• hyperglycemic
• hypoglycemic
• uraemic