Meaning & Definition of word "Underweight"

Underweight

/ˈʌndərˌweɪt/

adjective:

  • 1. Body weight that is considered to be below the normal or healthy range for a person's height and age.
    • Example: The doctor advised her to gain some weight, as she was clinically underweight.
  • 2. Having less weight than is normal or required.
    • Example: The athlete is underweight due to intense training and inadequate calorie intake.
  • 3. In retail or finance, referring to a position that is smaller than the normal or optimal level.
    • Example: The portfolio is underweight in technology stocks compared to the market average.

Etymology

From under- (below) + weight (mass or heaviness)

Common Phrases and Expressions

underweight for age:

A medical term indicating a child's weight is insufficient compared to a normal range for their age group.

underweight male/female:

Refers specifically to males or females who are below the healthy weight range.

Related Words

malnutrition:

A condition resulting from insufficient or unbalanced nutrient intake leading to underweight.

anemia:

A condition often associated with being underweight, where there is a deficiency of red blood cells.

Slang Meanings of underweight

Meaning: Skinny

Example Sentence: He's so skinny, he's basically underweight.

Meaning: Rail thin

Example Sentence: After the diet, she looked rail thin and underweight.