1. Inadequate in number of workers or assistants etc.
   "overcrowded and understaffed hospitals";
   - short-handed, short-staffed, undermanned

1. Personnel who assist their superior in carrying out an assigned task
   "the hospital has an excellent nursing staff"; "the general relied on his staff to make routine decisions"
    
2. The body of teachers and administrators at a school
   "the dean addressed the letter to the entire staff of the university";
   - faculty [N. Amer]
    
3. A strong rod or stick with a specialized utilitarian purpose
   "he walked with the help of a wooden staff"
    
4. A rod carried as a symbol
   "The king's staff symbolized his authority"
    
5. (music) the system of five horizontal lines on which the musical notes are written
   "The composer carefully placed each note on the staff";
   - stave
    
6. Building material consisting of plaster and hair; used to cover external surfaces of temporary structure (as at an exposition) or for decoration
   "The artist used staff to create ornate decorations for the exhibition hall"

1. Provide with staff
   "This position is not always staffed"
    
2. Serve on the staff of
   "The two men staff the reception desk"

See also: inadequate, unequal

Type of: body, building material, cater, force, musical notation, personnel, provide, put up, serve, stick, supply, symbol

Part of: school

Encyclopedia: Staff, John