underdo

To do something insufficiently; especially, to undercook.

Verb

  1. 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.

    Antonyms: overdo overcook

    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.

      Synonyms: half-ass shortchange phone in

      Antonyms: overdo overcook

    2. (intransitive, uncommon) To act below one's abilities; do less than one can.

      • Near-synonyms: underachieve, slack off

      Synonyms: underachieve slack off

      Antonyms: overdo overcook

  2. To put under, subject.

Origin

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”).

Forms

underdoes underdoing underdid underdone