Definition

Not having enough of a substance mixed in, especially in a solution or mixture.

Example

The solution was undersaturated, meaning it did not contain enough salt to dissolve completely.

Conversation

I heard the soil in the garden is a bit undersaturated this year.

Really? I thought we added enough nutrients last season.

Yeah, I guess we need to check the mineral levels more carefully.

Definitely! That could make a big difference for our plants.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Undersaturated is formed from "under-" (meaning below or insufficient) and "saturare" (from Latin, meaning to fill or soak). The word describes a state of being insufficiently filled or soaked, particularly in a chemical or physical context.

Memory Tip

Think of being 'below' ('under-') the level of being 'filled' ('saturare') — that's why undersaturated means not fully filled.

Visually Confused Words