Definitions

undermanned

[uhn-der-mand] / ˌʌn dərˈmænd /

ADJECTIVE

inadequate in work force

Synonyms

STRONGEST

shorthanded

WEAK

found wanting incomplete not enough scarce short shy too little

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The undermanned Americans were able to close out the game against Bosnia, but Pochettino was left with the daunting task of finding a replacement for his most effective weapon.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jul. 5, 2026

But the danger for Ukraine, Zaluzhniy said, is that its undermanned army could reach a point of exhaustion unless it can take back the initiative in the high-tech drone war.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 30, 2025

Shalaleh Barlow, who is based in Essex, described family courts as "undermanned" and "no longer fit for purpose".

From BBC • Mar. 14, 2025

As currently constructed, their banged-up, undermanned pitching staff isn’t great.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 20, 2024

The Watch now had garrisons at Icemark, Long Barrow, Sable Hall, Greyguard, and Deep Lake, all badly undermanned, but ten castles still stood empty and abandoned.

From "A Dance with Dragons" by George R. R. Martin