understaffed
Translation
understaffed, short-staffed
Examples
The hospital is severely understaffed.
The hospital is severely understaffed.
We were understaffed during the holiday season.
We were understaffed during the holiday season.
Grammar Patterns
((to be)) understaffed to have too few people working The hospital is severely understaffed.
Similar Words
Synonyms: short-staffed, undermanned; Antonyms: overstaffed, fully staffed
Etymology
From the prefix 'under-' (meaning not enough) and 'staffed' (having staff). Literally, having not enough staff.
Memory Tips
Picture a team with too few people ('under' the required number) to do the work.