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Definition of understaffing

understaffing

/ˌʌndərˈstæfɪŋ/
un · der · staff · ing
Adjective:understaffed
•
Past Simple:understaffed
•
Past Participle:understaffed
•
Present Participle:understaffing
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understaffing Lexical Profile

understaffing Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The condition or practice of having too few employees or workers to operate a business, department, or institution effectively.

Example

"Chronic understaffing at the regional hospital has led to longer wait times and widespread burnout among the nurses."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• verb

1

To provide an organization, department, or workplace with an insufficient number of employees (present participle of understaff).

Example

"The management team was criticized for deliberately understaffing the customer service desk during peak holiday hours."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for understaffing
Antonyms
View all antonyms for understaffing

• Rhymes for understaffing

• Nearby Words

underspend
understaff
understaffed
understaffing
understand
understandability
understandable

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Understaffing. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/understaffing
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