anemic

adjective

ane·​mic ə-ˈnē-mik How to pronounce anemic (audio)
1
: relating to or affected with anemia
The blood test indicated that he was slightly anemic.
2
a
: lacking force, vitality, or spirit
an anemic rendition of the song
anemic efforts at enforcement
b
: lacking interest or savor (see savor entry 1 sense 3) : insipid
anemic wines
c
: lacking in substance or quantity
anemic returns on an investment
anemic attendance
anemically adverb

Examples of anemic in a Sentence

The doctor told me I was slightly anemic. The band played an anemic rendition of a classic love song. Investors are worried about the stock's anemic performance. Officials worried about anemic attendance at the shows. Sales rose an anemic 0.5 percent last quarter.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
European economic growth has been anemic since inflation took hold and is not expected to enjoy strong economic growth in 2025 or 2026. Sj Guest Editorial, Sourcing Journal, 12 Mar. 2025 Gratuities have been relatively anemic in recent years. Maya Huter, NBC News, 1 Mar. 2025 The Fed dropped rates a full percentage point between September and year’s end, after a few months of anemic job growth in the summer, coupled with cooling inflation, sparked fears the U.S. could fall into a recession. Brian J. Rogal, Chicago Tribune, 29 Jan. 2025 Dickinson scored 21 points the first half as KU blazed to a 44-25 advantage and put to rest thoughts of KU’s anemic 20-point first half in a 62-61 loss to West Virginia on New Year’s Eve in Lawrence. Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 6 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for anemic

Word History

Etymology

see anemia

First Known Use

1826, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of anemic was in 1826

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Anemic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anemic. Accessed 16 Mar. 2025.

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