underactive

adjective

un·​der·​ac·​tive ˌən-dər-ˈak-tiv How to pronounce underactive (audio)
: characterized by an abnormally low level of activity
an underactive thyroid gland
underactivity noun

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web This can contribute to an underactive thyroid. Mary Shomon, Verywell Health, 8 Apr. 2023 Other underactive thyroid symptoms include fatigue, joint and muscle pain, cold sensitivity, and dry skin or hair. Ashley Abramson, Health, 23 Jan. 2023 One study found that curcumin was effective at reducing the symptoms of an underactive thyroid. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 12 Oct. 2022 Roughly one in five adults has an underactive thyroid—also known as hypothyroidism—according to the National Institutes of Health. Melissa Matthews, Men's Health, 16 Nov. 2022 In hypothyroidism, your thyroid gland is underactive, and your metabolism slows down, sometimes leaving you with chills. Julie Stewart, Men's Health, 29 June 2022 But in the case of an underactive thyroid, for instance, ongoing hormone-replacement therapy is necessary, and no amount of dieting, exercise, or stress management can take its place. Christine Byrne, Outside Online, 8 July 2021 To diagnose a potential problem with your thyroid, your doctor will likely order a blood test to examine the level of your thyroid-stimulating hormone, which can signal that your thyroid is overactive or underactive. Korin Miller, SELF, 6 Oct. 2021 Although people often associate underactive — longer and overstretched — muscles with urinary incontinence, experts emphasized that the overactive muscles, which are also weak and not coordinated, could be to blame. Washington Post, 12 Feb. 2021 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'underactive.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1959, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of underactive was in 1959

Dictionary Entries Near underactive

Cite this Entry

“Underactive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underactive. Accessed 9 Jun. 2023.

Kids Definition

underactive

adjective
un·​der·​ac·​tive ˌən-də-ˈrak-tiv How to pronounce underactive (audio)
: having an abnormally low level of activity
an underactive gland

Medical Definition

underactive

adjective
un·​der·​ac·​tive -ˈak-tiv How to pronounce underactive (audio)
: characterized by an abnormally low level of activity
an underactive thyroid gland
underactivity noun
plural underactivities
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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