underweight

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noun un·der·weight \ˌən-dər-ˈwāt\

Definition of underweight

: weight below normal, average, or requisite weight

First Known Use of underweight

1596

underweight

adjective un·der·weight

Definition of underweight

: weighing less than the normal or requisite amount

See underweight defined for English-language learners

See underweight defined for kids

Examples of underweight in a Sentence

the long illness left him frail and underweight

Recent Examples of underweight from the Web

In 2014 almost 4 percent of pregnant women were underweight, around 26 percent were overweight and 25 percent were obese.

— by michael roizen, m.d., and mehmet oz, m.d., idahostatesman, "Ten keys to a healthier pregnancy and a healthier baby", 2 July 2017
The animals were infested with lice, suffering from diarrhea and underweight, said Susie Coston, Farm Sanctuary’s national shelter director.

— ed fletcher, sacbee, "Rescue group swiped his pigs from Delta island, man claims", 15 June 2017
Current guidelines for weight gain for pregnancy are 28 to 40 pounds for women who are underweight, 25 to 35 pounds for women who are normal weight, 15 to 25 pounds for women who are overweight and 11 to 20 pounds for women who are obese.

— susan scutti, CNN, "Overweight pregnancy increases risk of birth defects, study says", 14 June 2017
Authorities say the child was severely malnourished and underweight, weighing 6 pounds — 2 pounds less than at birth.

— Detroit Free Press, "Michigan woman gets at least 15 years in her baby's death", 5 June 2017
At age 13, Tupper first started restricting her diet while attending boarding school, dangerously cutting calories to stay underweight.

— haley goldberg, SELF, "When Instagram and 'Clean Eating' Fuel Disordered Eating", 1 June 2017
An animal control officer took Daisy to the Bolton Veterinary Hospital, where the dog was found to be about 13 pounds underweight.

— jesse leavenworth, courant.com, "Manchester Police: Neglected Dog Euthanized; Woman Arrested", 31 May 2017
For Asian populations, a normal/underweight BMI is 23 or less, overweight 23 to 27.49, and obese 27.5 and up.

— agnes constante, NBC News, "Heart Disease Risks Often Overlooked in Chinese Americans: Study", 11 May 2017
He was surrendered to a shelter in 2012 in bad condition: underweight, with broken toes.

— National Geographic, "Here's Why Easter Is Bad for Bunnies", 12 Apr. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'underweight'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of underweight

1675

UNDERWEIGHT Defined for English Language Learners

underweight

adjective

Definition of underweight for English Language Learners

: weighing less than the normal or expected amount : too light

UNDERWEIGHT Defined for Kids

underweight

play

adjective un·der·weight \ˌən-dər-ˈwāt\

Definition of underweight for Students

: weighing less than what is normal, average, or necessary

Medical Dictionary

underweight

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adjective un·der·weight \-ˈwāt\

Medical Definition of underweight

: weighing less than the normal amount for one's age, height, and build underweight children underweight adults typically have a body mass index of less than 18.5