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

Instead, a penalty-laden game in which an anemic Boise State offense struggled to make an impact resulted in a 28-7 loss. —Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 6 Oct. 2025

Rescuers discovered a pregnant dog, who was deathly pale, anemic and fighting for her life moments before she was set to be euthanized. —Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Sep. 2025

Economists forecast that September’s employment report, expected to publish on Friday, will show another month of anemic payrolls growth. —Michael Sasso, Fortune, 29 Sep. 2025

As a result of the anemic aerial attack, Brown — a three-time Pro Bowler — was ineffective. —Rohan Nadkarni, NBC news, 21 Sep. 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