underactive

adjective

un·​der·​ac·​tive ˌən-dər-ˈak-tiv How to pronounce underactive (audio)
: characterized by an abnormally low level of activity
an underactive thyroid gland
underactivity noun

Examples of underactive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Thyroid Medication Thyroid medications like Synthroid (levothyroxine) and Armour Thyroid are used to treat underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism). Alex Yampolsky, Verywell Health, 28 Oct. 2024 Early psychiatric treatments were designed to send a big enough shock to the brain — whether with electricity, an intentional malaria infection, or coma-inducing drugs — to kickstart these supposedly underactive processes. Celia Ford, Vox, 7 Dec. 2018 Thyroid or pituitary gland conditions: Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) and hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) can affect the HPO axis and result in menstrual irregularities. Laura Schober, Health, 5 Oct. 2024 Thyroid dysfunction, either underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) or overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism), may lead to heart block. Christopher Lee, Verywell Health, 25 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for underactive 

Word History

First Known Use

1959, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of underactive was in 1959

Dictionary Entries Near underactive

Cite this Entry

“Underactive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underactive. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

underactive

adjective
un·​der·​ac·​tive ˌən-də-ˈrak-tiv How to pronounce underactive (audio)
: having an abnormally low level of activity
an underactive gland

Medical Definition

underactive

adjective
un·​der·​ac·​tive -ˈak-tiv How to pronounce underactive (audio)
: characterized by an abnormally low level of activity
an underactive thyroid gland
underactivity noun
plural underactivities
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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