undersized

adjective

un·​der·​sized ˌən-dər-ˈsīzd How to pronounce undersized (audio)
variants or less commonly undersize
: of a size less than is common, proper, normal, or average
undersized trout

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The behemoth Edey had a respectable rookie season but required June ankle surgery, while undersized energizer Clarke has never played more than 64 games in his six pro seasons and doesn’t seem likely to break the streak. John Hollinger, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025 Gabriel, who is undersized at 5-foot-11, has faced questions about his durability at this level. Josh Buckhalter, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025 Namdi was an undersized defensive back who had to go the junior college route to get his opportunity. Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Oct. 2025 As for center, rookie Ryan Kalkbrenner isn’t ready yet and Moussa Diabate is somewhat undersized to start things off against some of the taller, elite centers. Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 25 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for undersized

Word History

First Known Use

1706, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of undersized was in 1706

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Cite this Entry

“Undersized.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/undersized. Accessed 16 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

undersized

adjective
un·​der·​sized ˌən-dər-ˈsīzd How to pronounce undersized (audio)
: smaller than is usual or standard
undersized fruit

More from Merriam-Webster on undersized

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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