understaffed

adjective

un·​der·​staffed ˌən-dər-ˈstaft 

: inadequately staffed

understaffing

ˌən-dər-ˈsta-fiŋ 

noun

Examples of understaffed in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

And Height is their most exciting addition to a pass rush that still seems woefully understaffed. — Cam Inman, Mercury News, 13 Aug. 2026

Underfunded and understaffed, the center quickly racked up a backlog of unresolved complaints and closed many others without findings or with what critics said were inadequate investigations. — Molly Hensley-Clancy, ProPublica, 13 Aug. 2026

In overcrowded, understaffed facilities, residents were too often neglected and stripped of privacy, autonomy, or any meaningful connection to their communities. — Barbara Merrill, Time, 11 Aug. 2026

New recruits have yet to offset retirements, and courts across the state remain critically understaffed. — Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 10 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1891, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for understaffed

• antiaircraft
• choreographed
• chromatographed
• mimeographed
• abaft
• aircraft
• camshaft
• crankshaft
• downdraft
• engraft
• priestcraft
• redraft