understaffed

adjective

un·​der·​staffed ˌən-dər-ˈstaft How to pronounce understaffed (audio)
: inadequately staffed
understaffing
ˌən-dər-ˈsta-fiŋ How to pronounce understaffed (audio)
noun

Examples of understaffed in a Sentence

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.
Protests by high school students angry about dilapidated, understaffed schools have roiled France since mid-September. — John Leicester, Arkansas Online, 15 Oct. 2026 Many candidates are now in training for the Secret Service, which has been dangerously understaffed for years. — Norah O'Donnell, CBS News, 11 Oct. 2026 Redesign Your Team’s Capacity When a team is understaffed, leaders should redesign capacity before asking people to work harder. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 2 Oct. 2026 Now, massive construction projects dot the state as part of an unprecedented rush to power artificial intelligence, creating new labor demands for an industry that’s already understaffed. — Zachary Hansen, AJC.com, 11 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for understaffed

Word History

First Known Use

1891, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of understaffed was in 1891

Rhymes for understaffed

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Browse Nearby Words

undersquare
understaffed
understand
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Cite this Entry

“Understaffed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/understaffed. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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