undersell

[ uhn-der-sel ]

verb (used with object)

, un·der·sold, un·der·sell·ing.

1. to sell more cheaply than.
2. to advertise with restraint; understate the merits of (something):

   By underselling his product, he let his hearers convince themselves of its importance.

3. to sell for less than the actual value.

undersell

/ ˌʌndəˈsɛl /

verb

1. to sell for less than the usual or expected price
2. tr to sell at a price lower than that of (another seller)
3. tr to advertise (merchandise) with moderation or restraint

Derived Forms

• ˌunderˈseller, noun

Other Words From

• under·seller noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of undersell¹

First recorded in 1615–25; under- + sell ¹

Example Sentences

Politicians had also sometimes used the term to "undersell the role", it says.

From BBC

From the size of the crowds standing outside theaters showing “Anora” at Telluride, you might have suspected Baker was underselling his movie a bit.

From Los Angeles Times

The retailer said its strategy for boosting the business included the return of its "never knowingly undersold" price pledge, which it announced last week.

From BBC

To say it confounded Buehler would undersell the toll it took on his usually unflappable psyche.

From Los Angeles Times

Retailer John Lewis is bringing back its "never knowingly undersold" price pledge from Monday, two years after abandoning it.

From BBC

Related Words

• deduct
• diminish
• knock off
• mark down
• modify