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.
Through the first eight games, Valencia, who at 6-foot, 205-pounds is somewhat undersized, has 104 tackles, which ranks second in the section. Steve Brand, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Oct. 2025 Moussa Diabate has lateral quickness, but being undersized could hurt against taller players on the interior. Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 20 Oct. 2025 Outside of being lefty and undersized, neither of them has similar traits, but both will battle it out in a game that each team wants to win; otherwise, some drastic changes could be coming for both sides. Jon Conahan, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Oct. 2025 A bit undersized, Okonkwo should have several matchups against linebackers Robert Spillane and Christian Ellis, plus rookie safety Craig Woodson. Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 18 Oct. 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 25 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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