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

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

From Los Angeles Times

Still, the Smiths feared they were out of options until Madison’s mother happened to hear a podcast with a retired Utah detective talking about prosecutors who mishandle or undercharge sex-crime cases.

From Washington Post

It also fueled expectations that Minnesota may more frequently bypass local prosecutors who activists complain undercharge police officers or don’t charge them at all.

From Seattle Times

While they could have pushed prices as high as demand would allow, they opted not to; it is hard to cut home prices down the road, Mr. Schell said, so it is better to undercharge during what he expects to be a short-term run-up.

From New York Times

“We continue to dramatically undercharge for Prime relative to the value we create for customers. That is the strategy.”

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• cheapen