stunted
Americanadjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of stunted
Explanation
If something is stunted, it's been prevented from growing or developing to its full potential. After a hot, dry summer, there's nothing left in your vegetable garden but a few stunted tomato plants. Stunted things are scrawny, like the tiny runt in a litter of puppies. A lack of sun in your yard will result in stunted roses and daisies, and malnourishment can lead to stunted growth in humans. People can also be emotionally stunted if they aren't nurtured and encouraged to express their feelings. Stunted comes from the verb stunt, "prevent from growing or developing properly."
Vocabulary lists containing stunted
A Long Walk to Water
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Island of the Blue Dolphins
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
The Sea of Monsters
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
Exxon Chief Financial Officer Chief Neil Hansen said the oil market’s biggest pinch point isn’t necessarily stunted oil flows through the Strait—it’s the lack of refining capacity around the world.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 31, 2026
Despite recent success budget constraints remain, not least in the wake of successive broadcast deal collapses which have financially stunted French football.
From BBC ● Apr. 10, 2026
The economy was stunted by abnormally severe winter weather, for one thing.
From MarketWatch ● Apr. 9, 2026
If these challenges persist—or spread to other countries— the global economy could be in for a period of higher inflation and stunted growth.
From Barron's ● Mar. 22, 2026
Chuckling, he crossed his stunted legs and took a drink.
From "A Dance with Dragons" by George R. R. Martin
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
