undergraduate

[ uhn-der-graj-oo-it, -eyt ]

noun

1. a student in a university or college who has not received a first, especially a bachelor's, degree.

adjective

1. having the standing of an undergraduate.
2. of, for, pertaining to, or characteristic of undergraduates.

undergraduate

/ ˌʌndəˈɡrædjʊɪt /

noun

1. a person studying in a university for a first degree Sometimes shortened toundergrad

Derived Forms

• ˌunderˈgraduateship, noun

Other Words From

• under·gradu·ate·ship noun
• nonun·der·gradu·ate noun adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of undergraduate¹

First recorded in 1620–30; under- + graduate

Example Sentences

In September 2025, the cost of an undergraduate degree in England will go up from £9,250 to £9,535 a year.

From BBC

Undergraduate students in England will be able to borrow more for day-to-day living costs next year.

From BBC

Tuition fees are rising for undergraduate students at universities in England for the first time in eight years.

From BBC

As an undergraduate, he toured with rap superstar Snoop Dogg, a reflection of Washington’s immense musical talent and a harbinger of good things to come.

From Los Angeles Times

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson announced on Monday students would pay more for university tuition in England, with an increase of £285 on undergraduate fees.

From BBC

Related Words

• freshman
• junior
• senior
• sophomore
• student