underfunded
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˌʌndərˈfʌndɪd/
KK: /ʌndərˈfʌndɪd/
adjective
Definition
Not having enough money or financial support to operate effectively or meet needs.
Example
The school program was underfunded, leading to a lack of resources for students.
Conversation
Have you heard about the local art program?
Yeah, I heard it's really underfunded this year.
That's such a shame; art is so important for the community.
I know! We should do something to help raise awareness.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
insufficient
inadequate
scarce
Antonyms
sufficient
ample
plentiful
verb
Definition
To provide less money than is needed for a project or organization.
Example
The school was underfunded, which affected the quality of education.
Tense Forms
Past: underfunded
Past Participle: underfunded
Conversation
Did you hear about the art program?
Yeah, I heard it was underfunded this year.
That's really disappointing; they deserve more support.
Root Explanation
Underfunded → It is formed from "under-" (meaning below or insufficient) and "funded" (from the root "fund" which comes from Latin "fundare", meaning to establish or lay a foundation). The word "underfunded" means having insufficient funds or resources to support something adequately.
Memory Tip
Think of having resources that are 'below' ('under-') what is needed to 'establish' ('fund') something properly — that's why underfunded means not having enough money.
Visually Confused Words
unrefunded
unfunded
unrounded
unfounded