undercharge

[ verb uhn-der-chahrj; noun uhn-der-chahrj ]

verb (used with object)

, un·der·charged, un·der·charg·ing.

1. to charge (a purchaser) less than the proper or fair price.
2. to charge (a stated amount) less than the proper price:

   They undercharged several dollars for storing the goods.

3. to put an insufficient charge or load into.

verb (used without object)

, un·der·charged, un·der·charg·ing.

1. to charge too little.

noun

1. a charge or price less than is proper or customary.
2. an insufficient charge or load.

undercharge

/ ˌʌndəˈtʃɑːdʒ /

verb

1. to charge too little (for)
2. tr to load (a gun, cannon, etc,) with an inadequate charge

noun

1. an insufficient charge

Word History and Origins

Origin of undercharge¹

First recorded in 1625–35; under- + charge

Example Sentences

Ms. Matisse wrote about the mistake in an Instagram post, admitting how embarrassing it was and explaining that the company would bill customers who were undercharged.

From New York Times

“If they undercharge it, he may plea open immediately and avoid a more serious charge,” Gorin said.

From Los Angeles Times

This dovetails with other analyses finding that the government has been undercharging drillers.

From Washington Post

But driver Demonterrio Gibson, 24, on Friday said he doesn’t believe police took him seriously at first and his attorneys say both suspects have been “undercharged” and should face charges of attempted murder.

From Seattle Times

Multiple studies from government and fiscal watchdog groups have concluded that the federal government underestimates the value of the oil and gas resources on public lands, and undercharges companies for extracting the fuels.

From New York Times

Related Words

• cheapen