undersized

adjective

un·​der·​sized ˌən-dər-ˈsīzd 

variants or less commonly undersize

ˌən-dər-ˈsīz 

: of a size less than is common, proper, normal, or average

undersized trout

Synonyms of undersized

• diminutive
• small
• little

Examples of undersized in a Sentence

He is undersized for a basketball player.

though a football all-star in high school, he was just a mediocre, undersized player at the college level

Recent Examples on the Web

Penalties for possession of each undersized lobster includes up to 60 days in jail, a $500 fine or both, according to the Monroe County State Attorney’s Office. — Angie Dimichele, Sun Sentinel, 25 July 2026

The same goes for Louis, a linebacker who’s a bit undersized yet possesses rare coverage skills. — Miami Herald, 23 July 2026

Mitchell is an undersized blur of a runner (5-foot-8, 190), a man who had the highest average speed of any NFL back last season. — Andy Behrens, New York Times, 21 July 2026

Unfortunately, many of the best 4x4 camper vans will require you to squeeze those aching limbs into an undersized bed at night. — New Atlas, 21 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1706, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for undersized

• acclimatized
• aerosolized
• alphabetized
• aluminized
• anaesthetized
• anesthetized
• annualized
• antagonized
• apologised
• apologized
• capitalised
• capitalized

Kids Definition

undersized

adjective

un·​der·​sized ˌən-dər-ˈsīzd 

: smaller than is usual or standard

undersized fruit