undermanned
|un/der/manned|
B2
🇺🇸
/ˌʌndərˈmænd/
🇬🇧
/ˌʌndəˈmænd/
insufficient staffing
Etymology
Etymology Information
'undermanned' originates from the prefix 'under-' meaning 'below' or 'less than' and the word 'man' meaning 'to staff or equip with personnel'.
Historical Evolution
'undermanned' changed from the Old English word 'mannian' meaning 'to provide with men' and eventually became the modern English word 'undermanned'.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'to provide with fewer men than needed', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'having fewer people than necessary'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
having fewer people than necessary to operate effectively.
The hospital was undermanned during the night shift.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/02/08 00:36