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

They said he is, pale, underweight and is suffering from conditions contracted in captivity.

From BBC

This month, JP Morgan analysts raised Snap’s price target to $8 after the Perplexity deal but kept an underweight rating on the shares, meaning they expect the stock to underperform.

From Los Angeles Times

Investors should maintain a neutral stance on stocks, an overweight on government bonds and underweight on credit and cash holdings.

From MarketWatch

George Russell's Mercedes was disqualified from victory in Belgium last season for being underweight - partly because the underfloor wore down more than the team expected.

From BBC

He favoured five to 10-year Treasuries, expecting a moderate recession could push yields another 100 bps lower but was underweight bonds in Europe, where inflation is stickier.

From Reuters

Related Words

• malnourished
• starved
• undernourished