underwork

[ uhn-der-wurk ]

verb (used with object)

, un·der·worked, un·der·work·ing.

1. to do less work on than is necessary or required:

   to underwork an idea.

2. to employ inadequately:

   He underworks his mind and overworks his feet.

verb (used without object)

, un·der·worked, un·der·work·ing.

1. to do less work than is normal or proper:

   He is fat because he underworks and overeats.

Other Words From

• under·worker noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of underwork¹

First recorded in 1495–1505; under- + work

Example Sentences

Underwork may actually create more disaffection than overwork.

From Forbes

We need a labor movement that focuses on time and moves beyond a piecemeal approach on issues – canceled shifts, overtime, underwork, vacations, sick days – to see them all as operating together to create chaos in people’s lives.

From The Guardian

In low-income and low-skill sectors, the problem is more likely, as Cha put it, to be “underwork”—people want to be working more hours but can’t get the shifts or have to piece together multiple part-time jobs.

From The New Yorker

Mistakes, failures, successes, and an increasing degree of frustration over the overwork narratives we construct about academic lives, and the underwork narratives perceived by those outside of higher education.

From Scientific American

Underwork, un-dėr-wurk′, v.t. to work for a less price than: to undermine or destroy clandestinely.—v.i. to do less work than is requisite.—n.

From Project Gutenberg