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

So even though General Mills has eased up on the price hikes that had been driving sales, volume growth is still anemic. — Brett Owens, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026

Five big School Board races Despite Broward’s anemic turnout, the stakes are high for the county School Board on Tuesday. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 14 Aug. 2026

Jackie was severely anemic, although veterinarians don’t know why. — Maddie Rhodes, USA Today, 10 Aug. 2026

The Ojai Raptor Center has been providing regular updates on Jackie's recovery from a mystery illness that has left her anemic and in critical condition. — Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 6 Aug. 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