underpowered

adjective

un·​der·​pow·​ered ˌən-dər-ˈpau̇(-ə)rd 

1

: driven by an engine of insufficient power

2

: having or supplied with insufficient power

Examples of underpowered in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Cordless kitchen tools are underpowered and are never a better choice than a plug-in version of the same tool. —Alaina Chou, Bon Appetit Magazine, 30 Oct. 2025

Ever since the days before flatscreens, televisions have shipped with underpowered speakers that muddy every sound from dialogue to sound effects. —Bestreviews, Mercury News, 28 Oct. 2025

This reportedly follows an in-depth analysis from Nvidia that suggests not only is the 8GB version selling poorly, but that gamers now associate 8GB of VRAM with being outdated and underpowered for the modern gaming experience. —PC Magazine, 27 Oct. 2025

The director’s approach is coolly distant and underpowered; even scenes of bloody battle in the ring feel merely informational. —Vince Aletti, New Yorker, 3 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1905, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for underpowered

• cowered
• floured
• flowered
• froward
• glowered
• powered
• scoured
• showered
• soured
• towered
• devoured
• embowered