underdo
To do something insufficientlyTo do something insufficiently; especially, to undercook.
Meaning
4 senses(transitive)To do something insufficiently; especially, to undercook.
Sorry to say, I've underdone the pot roast. I think we'd better put it back in the oven for a bit.
Sorry to say, I've underdone the downspout repair. I think we'd better hire someone to replace the whole thing.
To do something insufficiently; especially, to undercook.
(transitive)To do less than is requisite.
Near-synonyms: (of tasks) half-ass, shortchange, phone in
We warned him not to underdo it. This customer expects attention to detail.
(intransitive, transitive, uncommon)To act below one's abilities; do less than one can.
Near-synonyms: underachieve, slack off
(obsolete, transitive)To put under, subject.
Origin
From Middle English underdon, from Old English underdōn (“to put under”), from Proto-GermaFrom Middle English underdon, from Old English underdōn (“to put under”), from Proto-Germanic *under + *dōną (“to put”). Equivalent to under- + do. Cognate with German unterthun (“to put under, subject”).
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Forms
underdoes, underdoing, underdid, underdoneSynonyms
5 synonymsAntonyms
2 antonymsWord family
1 related wordsLessons for this word
3 lessons- A1Present simple — Because it is a verb
- A1Past simple, irregular verbs — Because of its past form
- A2Present perfect: introduction — Because of its past participle