undersize

Undersize is a term used to describe something that falls below the specified or intended size. It is commonly used across industries to refer to parts, products, or materials that are smaller than the defined lower limit, and it is typically discussed alongside oversize.

In manufacturing and engineering, parts are produced to defined tolerances. An undersize component has an actual dimension less than the lower limit of its tolerance. Measurements are made with instruments such as calipers, micrometers, or coordinate measuring machines. Causes include tool wear, miscalibration, thermal effects, or material shrinkage. Consequences can include poor fit, looseness in joints, premature wear, or failure to meet performance specifications. Quality control aims to detect undersize items and determine whether they should be reworked, rejected, or accepted within tolerance through tolerance stack analysis.

In clothing and textiles, undersize can describe a garment that is smaller than its labeled size. Shrinkage from washing, inconsistent sizing, or fabric stretch can produce undersize results. Retailers may provide size charts, and consumers may return or exchange items that do not fit as expected.

In fisheries and wildlife management, undersize refers to individual fish that are below the minimum legal size for harvest. Regulations restricting undersize catches aim to protect juvenile stocks and support sustainable populations. Enforcement varies by jurisdiction and species, with penalties often tied to the market value of the catch.

In construction and materials, undersize can describe aggregates or other materials that fail to meet the lower size specification for a given use. Such materials may affect strength, workability, or durability and are sometimes diverted to different applications or processed to meet the required specifications.