anemic

adjective

ane·​mic ə-ˈnē-mik How to pronounce anemic (audio)
1
: relating to or affected with anemia
The blood test indicated that he was slightly anemic.
2
a
: lacking force, vitality, or spirit
an anemic rendition of the song
anemic efforts at enforcement
b
: lacking interest or savor (see savor entry 1 sense 3) : insipid
anemic wines
c
: lacking in substance or quantity
anemic returns on an investment
anemic attendance
anemically adverb

Examples of anemic in a Sentence

The doctor told me I was slightly anemic. The band played an anemic rendition of a classic love song. Investors are worried about the stock's anemic performance. Officials worried about anemic attendance at the shows. Sales rose an anemic 0.5 percent last quarter.
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.
But why are so many of Orlando’s players — most notably free-agent acquisition Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, a career 36.9 percent 3-point shooter before this season who is shooting an anemic 30.7 percent this season — struggling? Josh Robbins, The Athletic, 25 Feb. 2025 President Donald Trump was right to criticize Germany, during his first term for its anemic defense spending, reliance on Russian natural gas, and loose stance on migration. Matt Robison, Newsweek, 24 Feb. 2025 But the overriding concern in daily German life, according to interviews and polls, and the thing most likely to drive the choice of voters, is the nation’s anemic economy. Melissa Eddy, New York Times, 21 Feb. 2025 Adding potency up front will be paramount, as the Ducks need forwards who can both extend zone time and finish plays to bolster an all-around anemic offense. Andrew Knoll, Orange County Register, 16 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for anemic

Word History

Etymology

see anemia

First Known Use

1826, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of anemic was in 1826

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Anemic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anemic. Accessed 9 Mar. 2025.

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