# anemic

/əˈnimɪk/ (US) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/anemic
Updated: 2026-05-27

## Definition

having a low amount of red blood cells or hemoglobin, which makes you feel weak and tired. It can also describe something that looks pale or lacks energy.

For teachers: relating to or suffering from anemia, a condition characterized by a deficiency of red blood cells or hemoglobin. Often used figuratively to describe something that is pale, weak, or lacking in vitality.

## Examples

- The doctor said he was anemic and needed more iron.
- After weeks of heavy rain, the garden looked anemic and the flowers were struggling to bloom.
- The report was criticized for being anemic, as it provided little data and failed to address the systemic issues that had led to the company's decline.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.