understaffed

[US]/ʌndə'stɑːft/
[UK]/ˌʌndɚ'stæft/
Frequency: Very High

Translation

adj. lacking an adequate number of staff, not having enough personnel.

Example Sentences

The restaurant is understaffed during peak hours.

The hospital is always understaffed on weekends.

The company is struggling with being understaffed.

The store is understaffed due to unexpected absences.

The team is understaffed for the upcoming project.

The school is understaffed and unable to meet the demand.

The department is understaffed and overworked.

The hotel is understaffed during the holiday season.

The factory is understaffed due to budget cuts.

The team feels the pressure of being understaffed.

Real-world Examples

I understand that, but the fact is we’re understaffed.

Source: EnglishPod 1-50

But now with more customers returning, owner Marcus Lau cannot fully capitalize because he's understaffed by 25 percent.

Source: VOA Standard English - Asia

But at the time that I started, my department was really understaffed.

Source: Emma's delicious English

Not too bad for an understaffed service, don't you think?

Source: Cambridge IELTS Listening Actual Test 4

Also, Rebecca won't be back until 4. We are understaffed today.

Source: TOEIC Listening Practice Test Bank

The blood-bank was understaffed because of the rain. I was in and out.

Source: The Vampire Diaries Season 1

The filmmaker says understaffed clinics depend on family members to care for these very fragile children.

Source: VOA Standard English Entertainment

An understaffed IRS is a plus for people most likely to be the target of audits.

Source: Time

Mac agrees she's getting psychological help but says demand is high and state services are understaffed.

Source: VOA Standard English_Europe

She says her members run the risk of being fired if they complain their facilities are understaffed.

Source: VOA Standard English_Americas

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