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

The aftermath of the heist sparked multiple partial closures, delayed openings, and staff strikes this past December and January, with staff saying they are overworked and understaffed and that the museum needed greater investment in its infrastructure. — Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 17 June 2026

Now his arm is broken, and his B&B is understaffed. — Ashlee Conour, Chicago Tribune, 15 June 2026

Crowley’s lawsuit, however, lays blame for the fire at the feet of the mayor and city leaders, saying the city historically failed to properly fund the LAFD, leaving the agency understaffed and backlogged in the maintenance of vehicles and other equipment. — City News Service, Daily News, 10 June 2026

Larry Webb, leader of a resident group called the Coastal Coalition, said license plate readers are crucial to the city’s understaffed Police Department. — David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 June 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