underweight

American  

[uhn-der-weyt, uhn-der-weyt] / ˈʌn dərˈweɪt, ˈʌn dərˌweɪt /

adjective

1. weighing less than is usual, required, or proper.

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noun

1. deficiency in weight below a standard or requirement.

underweight British  

/ ˌʌndəˈweɪt /

adjective

1. weighing less than is average, expected, or healthy

2. finance

   1. having a lower proportion of one's investments in a particular sector of the market than the size of that sector relative to the total market would suggest

   2. (of a fund etc) disproportionately invested in this way

      pension funds have become underweight of equities

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Etymology

Origin of underweight

First recorded in 1590–1600; under- + weight

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

underweight

There are three other analysts with an underweight or sell rating, according to FactSet, while 26% of analysts rate the stock a buy.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 27, 2026

Subramanian noted record underweight positions in financials among actively managed funds and light exposure across other value segments.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 25, 2026

Barrenjoey has an underweight rating and an A$5.60/share target on Regis.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 21, 2026

Shelter personnel said the dog appeared underweight and hungry.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 13, 2026

Pollard, still underweight, was bundled into a double-breasted black suit, the left pant leg slit over his cast.

From "Seabiscuit: An American Legend" by Laura Hillenbrand

Related Words

• malnourished
• starved
• undernourished