Short-handed or undermanned; lacking sufficient personnel or coverage.
今日は人手が手薄で、受付がとても忙しい。
We're short-staffed today, so the reception is very busy.
連休中はスタッフが手薄になりがちだ。
During consecutive holidays the staff tends to be thin.
緊急時に備えて手薄にならないように配置を見直す。
We will review staffing so we won't be understaffed in an emergency.
Insufficient (stock, funds, etc.); in short supply.
在庫が手薄で、すぐに補充が必要だ。
Stock is low and needs to be replenished immediately.
予算が手薄なため、新しい設備は導入できない。
Because the budget is limited, we can't introduce new equipment.