understaffed

adjective

un·​der·​staffed ˌən-dər-ˈstaft How to pronounce understaffed (audio)
: inadequately staffed
understaffing 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.
Arches National Park has stopped issuing permits for its popular Fiery Furnace area after President Trump's upheaval of the NPS left the park understaffed during the busy spring break season. Erin Alberty, Axios, 24 Mar. 2025 Auditors recently confirmed that the DOL is understaffed with a backlog of unassigned complaints. Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 21 Mar. 2025 Trained threat hunters Finally, not having enough people on the team or people trained in the right areas can impact a security team's ability to protect their organization, and 59% say their teams are understaffed. David Monnier, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025 Sabrina Dunn, the owner of Kuna’s Little Beans child care center, shared her experience of working for less than minimum wage at a separate center that was desperately understaffed. Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 6 Mar. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Understaffed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/understaffed. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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