undermanned

American  

[uhn-der-mand] / ˌʌn dərˈmænd /

adjective

1. lacking a normal or sufficient workforce, complement of troops, or the like; understaffed; short-handed.

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Etymology

Origin of undermanned

First recorded in 1865–70; under- + manned

Example Sentences

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

A week after the Rams lost to the seemingly undermanned San Francisco 49ers, they will travel to play the Lamar Jackson-less Baltimore Ravens and M&T Bank Stadium.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 11, 2025

Mr Kessler said that the "severely undermanned" Secret Service likely is refocusing its efforts on more immediate threats, such as those faced by Trump and members of his administration.

From BBC • Aug. 29, 2025

Troops are being rotated from units in the rear to join undermanned infantry units at the front, and there are shortages of critical supplies needed to repair and maintain Ukraine’s armored vehicles.

From New York Times • Feb. 4, 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