underweight Definition
- 1below the standard weight range for a particular height and age
- 2having less weight than is normal, necessary, or healthy
Using underweight: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "underweight" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The doctor said that she was underweight for her height.
Example
He has been underweight his whole life.
Example
The baby is underweight and needs to gain more weight.
Example
She became underweight due to her illness.
underweight Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for underweight
- thin
- emaciated
- skinny
Antonyms for underweight
Phrases with underweight
extremely underweight, often indicating malnutrition or other health problems
Example
The patient was grossly underweight and needed immediate medical attention.
a long-term condition of being underweight, often due to genetic factors or underlying health conditions
Example
Despite eating a lot, he remained chronically underweight due to his high metabolism.
a term used to describe a newborn who weighs less than the expected weight for the number of weeks of pregnancy
Example
The baby was born underweight for gestational age and required special care in the neonatal unit.
Summary: underweight in Brief
The term 'underweight' [ˌʌndərˈweɪt] refers to a person or thing that weighs less than what is considered normal, healthy, or necessary. It can be a chronic or temporary condition, as in 'The baby is underweight and needs to gain more weight.' 'Underweight' can also be used to describe a newborn who weighs less than the expected weight for the number of weeks of pregnancy. Synonyms include 'thin' and 'emaciated,' while antonyms include 'overweight' and 'obese.'
