underweight

American  

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

adjective

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

---

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

---

Etymology

Origin of underweight

First recorded in 1590–1600; under- + weight

Example Sentences

Here's a crucial detail: the lower likelihood of reaching 100 among non-meat eaters was only observed in underweight participants.

From Science Daily

Insight Investment maintains an underweight position in state and local general obligation bonds given their lower premium to Treasurys, and remains cautious on healthcare due to rising labor and equipment costs.

From The Wall Street Journal

According to the survey, 40% of respondents are underweight bonds and there’s a consensus that longer-term U.S.

From MarketWatch

According to the survey, 40% of respondents are underweight bonds and there’s a consensus that longer-term U.S.

From MarketWatch

Investor expectations, combined with limited scope for a positive surprise on margins, costs and capital management, keep MS analyst Richard E. Wiles underweight on the stock.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• malnourished
• starved
• undernourished