undersized

adjective

un·​der·​sized ˌən-dər-ˈsīzd How to pronounce undersized (audio)
variants or less commonly undersize
Synonyms of undersizednext
: 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.
Vitello was an undersized infielder who had just transferred from Spring Hill College, a Division II program in Alabama. Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 15 Feb. 2026 Wembanyama, who seems to be getting taller and stronger year by year, finished with a season-high 40 points (on 13-of-20 shooting) and 12 rebounds as a rag-tag group of Lakers played 48 minutes of undermanned, undersized basketball in a 136-108 defeat. Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 11 Feb. 2026 The literal goat in question is Will Harris, whose dreams of playing professional roarball are dampened by his undersized frame. Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 11 Feb. 2026 With Smith still sidelined by a calf injury, the Bulls only have one true center — new addition Nick Richards — while leaning on undersized Guerschon Yabusele in the frontcourt. Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 10 Feb. 2026 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 18 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

undersized

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

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