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

For three quarters Friday night against the Chicago Sky, the Valkyries’ offense looked anemic. —Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 28 June 2025

What a juvenile, anemic word to describe this rogue president’s action! —Chicago Tribune, 25 June 2025

When the bear cub arrived to Gold Country Wildlife Rescue in December 2024, he was dehydrated, anemic, severely underweight, suffering from ear infections in both ears and a skin infection, as previously reported by USA TODAY. —Greta Cross, USA Today, 10 June 2025

Drake Maye stepped into a difficult situation last season and the No. 3 pick of the 2024 draft elevated an anemic Patriots offense. —Ted Nguyen, New York Times, 2 June 2025

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