undersized

adjective

un·​der·​sized ˌən-dər-ˈsīzd How to pronounce undersized (audio)
variants or less commonly undersize
: of a size less than is common, proper, normal, or average
undersized trout

Examples of undersized in a Sentence

He is undersized for a basketball player. though a football all-star in high school, he was just a mediocre, undersized player at the college level
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.
Jones said overcoming Arkansas' imposing secondary will be a challenge for the undersized Red Wolves receivers. Michael Harley, Arkansas Online, 4 Sep. 2025 Tessa, a Coastal Carolina recruit in lacrosse, is undersized for a middle. Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 2 Sep. 2025 Considered undersized as a 5-foot-11, 185-pound senior, Ellis injured his shoulder in high school and received little college interest. Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 30 Aug. 2025 The Patriots might need to get creative by finding a college linebacker or undersized defensive tackle to groom on the practice squad. Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 29 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for undersized

Word History

First Known Use

1706, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of undersized was in 1706

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Cite this Entry

“Undersized.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/undersized. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

undersized

adjective
un·​der·​sized ˌən-dər-ˈsīzd How to pronounce undersized (audio)
: smaller than is usual or standard
undersized fruit

More from Merriam-Webster on undersized

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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