underfunded
UK: ˌʌndəˈfʌndɪd | US: ˌʌndərˈfʌndɪd
adj. lacking sufficient financial support or resources
The word "underfunded" combines "under" (Old English under, meaning "below" or "insufficient") with "fund" (Latin fundus, meaning "bottom" or "financial base"), and the suffix "-ed" (indicating a state or condition). The term emerged in the 20th century to describe institutions or projects receiving inadequate funding, reflecting a literal "below the required financial level."
Many public schools remain underfunded despite government promises.
The underfunded healthcare system struggles to meet patient needs.
Researchers abandoned the project because it was chronically underfunded.
Underfunded nonprofits often rely on volunteers to fill gaps.
The report highlighted underfunded infrastructure in rural areas.