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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
But the rollout, which consisted of transferring massive voter datasets from antiquated county systems, was difficult for understaffed and overtaxed county clerk offices. ProPublica, 5 Nov. 2024 As for public safety, the city needs to find a way to bolster its badly understaffed police. East Bay Times Editorial, The Mercury News, 24 Oct. 2024 The restaurant was understaffed and swamped with orders, and the AC in the kitchen was broken. Bruce Gil, Quartz, 24 Oct. 2024 Hiring additional team members to fulfill every operational need can become extremely costly, but staying understaffed can lead to employee burnout, resentment, a lack of clarity in roles and, worst of all, focus displaced from the organization’s mission. Randy Wong, Forbes, 15 Oct. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near understaffed

Cite this Entry

“Understaffed.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/understaffed. Accessed 16 Nov. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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