underweight

1 of 2

noun

un·​der·​weight ˌən-dər-ˈwāt How to pronounce underweight (audio)
: weight below normal, average, or requisite weight

underweight

2 of 2

adjective

: weighing less than the normal or requisite amount

Examples of underweight in a Sentence

Adjective the long illness left him frail and underweight
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.
Adjective
He was taken to Mystic Aquarium to rehab after an exam showed the seal was underweight and dehydrated. David Matthews, New York Daily News, 4 Mar. 2025 Southwest Airlines — Shares slid 2% after JPMorgan downgraded the airline carrier to an underweight rating from neutral. Sarah Min, CNBC, 3 Mar. 2025 The other sea lion, a 6-month-old pup, was rescued after it was seen in Point Loma, isolated, underweight and lethargic, rescuers said. Paloma Chavez, Sacramento Bee, 11 Feb. 2025 Scientists search for answers after a gray whale washes ashore in L.A., bitten and underweight. Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 6 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for underweight

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1596, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1675, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of underweight was in 1596

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Underweight.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underweight. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

underweight

adjective
un·​der·​weight
ˌən-dər-ˈwāt
: weighing less than what is normal, average, or necessary

Medical Definition

underweight

adjective
un·​der·​weight -ˈwāt How to pronounce underweight (audio)
: 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
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