Word
underweight
Phoneticsun·der·weight, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈəndɝˌweɪt/
UK/ˌʌndəwˈeɪt/
Definition
adj. having a weight that is lower than what is considered normal or healthy for your height. You might use this to describe a person or an animal that is too thin.
adj. having a weight below the standard or healthy level for a given height or age. Often used in medical contexts to describe nutritional status or in general conversation to describe physical appearance.
Examples
“The doctor told him he was underweight and needed to eat more.”
“The vet noted that the puppy was slightly underweight for its age and recommended a high-protein diet.”
“While the athlete's muscle mass was impressive, his overall body weight was considered underweight for his height, raising concerns about his long-term energy levels and recovery.”
Examples
simple
“The doctor told him he was underweight and needed to eat more.”
contextual
“The vet noted that the puppy was slightly underweight for its age and recommended a high-protein diet.”
complex
“While the athlete's muscle mass was impressive, his overall body weight was considered underweight for his height, raising concerns about his long-term energy levels and recovery.”
Real-World Examples
“Only 6% of people with eating disorders are considered medically underweight.” “Without those extra materials, all 15 bags were underweight, and none gave buyers as much effective grilling fuel as they promised.” Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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