# understaffed

/ˈəndɝˌstæft/ (US) · /ˌʌndəstˈɑːft/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/understaffed
Updated: 2026-10-19

## Definition

not having enough workers to do the job properly. You use it for shops, hospitals or offices that need more staff.

For teachers: Having fewer staff members than are needed for effective or safe operation. Often applied to workplaces, teams, or shifts operating below required staffing levels.

## Examples

- The cafe is understaffed today, so service is slow.
- The night shift in the emergency ward is understaffed, so nurses must care for twice as many patients.
- Chronically understaffed and facing rising demand, the rural clinic relies on overtime and volunteers to maintain basic care through the winter months.

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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.