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

The two are undersized, with Edmonds listed at 6-foot-8 and Punch at 6-7, but their physicality and tenacity in the paint are why TCU is among the best offensive rebounding teams in the country. —Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Mar. 2026

The point guard is listed at a generous 6-0 but has always been undersized, Walker said. —Lia Assimakopoulos, Dallas Morning News, 9 Mar. 2026

Although a bit undersized at 5-11, 231 pounds, Dean has a knack for getting after the quarterback. —Daniel Popper, New York Times, 9 Mar. 2026

The Hall of Fame coach flooded the playbook with postups – many seeing Green throw the entry pass – against an undersized Oklahoma City front line. —Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 8 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1706, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for undersized

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

Kids Definition

undersized

adjective

un·​der·​sized ˌən-dər-ˈsīzd 

: smaller than is usual or standard

undersized fruit