understrength

[ uhn-der-strengkth, -strength, -strenth ]

adjective

1. having insufficient organizational strength; lacking in personnel:

   an understrength army.

2. insufficient in power or efficacy.

Word History and Origins

Origin of understrength¹

First recorded in 1920–25; under- + strength

Example Sentences

Wigan Warriors secured the League Leaders' Shield for the second consecutive season by scoring 11 tries in a dominant win against an understrength Salford Red Devils.

From BBC

A report on structural failures at Belfast's Victoria Square claims that a column was "constructed using concrete that was understrength by some 75%".

From BBC

The interim findings suggest a dozen other columns are also understrength, although to a lesser degree.

From BBC

They point out that if there was understrength concrete used at the site, it is likely that one lorry load would provide enough for between 17 and 25 columns.

From BBC

The report says of the 30 columns examined "over 50%… are affected by understrength concrete and are therefore defective".

From BBC