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.
Opponents were running away from Watt and toward the somewhat undersized Herbig, and enjoying success. Mike Defabo, New York Times, 2 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 Benak, an undersized but skilled rookie, skated more than 16 minutes versus Winnipeg on Sunday. Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 23 Sep. 2025 Jones and Austin are both undersized players, so that’s a good matchup for the Patriots. Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 20 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Undersized.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/undersized. Accessed 10 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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