underdo

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English

Etymology

From 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).

Pronunciation

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Verb

underdo (third-person singular simple present underdoes, present participle underdoing, simple past underdid, past participle underdone)

  1. (transitive) To do something insufficiently; especially, to undercook.
    Antonyms: overdo; (of foods) overcook
    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.
    1. (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.
    2. (intransitive, uncommon) To act below one's abilities; do less than one can.
      Near-synonyms: underachieve, slack off
  2. (transitive, obsolete) To put under, subject.

Anagrams