underdo

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

• redound, rounded