runty

[ruhn-tee]

adjective

runtier, runtiest 

1. stunted; dwarfish.

   The runty puppy seems the most playful of the litter.

Other Word Forms

• runtiness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of runty¹

First recorded in 1800–10; runt + -y ¹

Example Sentences

Such runty particles wouldn’t produce detectable nuclear recoils.

Read more on Science Magazine

Is it as heartwarming as a runty, wilted Christmas tree revived by love?

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Unlike all the other trees of its kind in the area, it was never cut down, because it was runty and twisted and situated on a rocky slope; it appeared unprofitable to loggers.

Read more on The New Yorker

But his strongest selling point as an antidote to President Trump and his immigrant bashing might be his runty, but wildly successful, experiment of a hometown.

Read more on New York Times

But 10-year-old Louie takes him in, and just like the immortal Fern with runty Wilbur, he pours on the tender love and care, bottle feeding him and wrapping him in blankets.

Read more on New York Times

Related Words

• cramped 
• limited 
• meager 
• microscopic 
• miniature 
• minuscule 
• modest 
• narrow 
• paltry 
• poor 
• short 
• slight 
• small-scale 
• young