undervalue

[ uhn-der-val-yoo ]

verb (used with object)

, un·der·val·ued, un·der·val·u·ing.

1. to value below the real worth; put too low a value on.

   Synonyms: depreciate, underestimate, underrate

2. to diminish in value; make of less value.
3. to have insufficient regard or esteem for; hold too low an opinion of.

undervalue

/ ˌʌndəˈvæljuː /

verb

1. tr to value at too low a level or price

Derived Forms

• ˌunderˌvaluˈation, noun
• ˌunderˈvaluer, noun

Other Words From

• under·valu·ation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of undervalue¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; under- + value

Example Sentences

But more broadly, Chahardovali said, much work remains to be done to ensure the media market doesn’t undervalue women’s sports.

From Seattle Times

This view is common among many Mexican recipients of remittances, either because their finances are so limited that extra money is spent on necessities or because they undervalue education as a key to advancement, according to Tania Castillo Villegas, who studies the effects of remittances at University of the Isthmus in southern Oaxaca.

From Los Angeles Times

“I don’t think you can undervalue the power of play for children,” said Sara-Christine Dallain, the executive director of iACT, a Los Angeles-based humanitarian nonprofit that has used soccer to teach teamwork, respect, responsibility and pride to children in refugee camps around the world.

From Los Angeles Times

It may seem obvious, but in practice, the international community has tended to undervalue the technical and legal aspects of an election, preferring quick processes and political validation by international electoral missions that serve as a stamp of external legitimacy.

From Slate

Salisbury says he frequently hears from Black families who come to him for help after receiving harassing calls and unsolicited requests to sell property that’s been in their families for decades, or from those who have fallen prey to predatory developers and racist home appraisals that significantly undervalue their homes based on whether they have Black art or pictures of relatives on the walls.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• despise
• underestimate
• underrate