lowball

American  

[loh-bawl] / ˈloʊˌbɔl /

noun

1. Cards. a game of draw poker in which the player having the lowest-ranking hand wins the pot.

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verb (used with object)

1. to deliberately estimate a lower low price for (a service or merchandise) than one intends to charge.

   to lowball the cost of a move.

2. to give a false estimate or bid for.

verb (used without object)

1. to engage in lowballing.

adjective

1. engaged in or characteristic of lowballing.

   a lowball bid.

lowball British  

/ ˈləʊˌbɔːl /

noun

1. a game of poker in which the player with the lowest hand wins

2. 1. a very low estimate or offer

   2. ( as modifier )

      a lowball bid

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verb

1. (tr) to make a very low estimate or offer for (a service, product, company, etc)

Etymology

Origin of lowball

low ¹ + ball ¹

Example Sentences

But even those lowball official projections may not be low enough, writes Stephen Brown, deputy chief North America economist at Capital Economics.

From Barron's • Jan. 29, 2026

So when applicants lowball, they may end up pricing themselves well below what the company actually budgeted to pay.

From Slate • Jan. 20, 2026

Should one give a lowball forecast to investors only to over deliver later, or be ambitious and do everything possible to stick to the promised goal?

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 1, 2026

And that may be a lowball estimate, according to the American Security Project.

From Salon • Jun. 29, 2025

Fire victims say disputes have involved, among other things, inspection and remediation of contaminants in homes and on properties, delayed coverage of temporary lodging expenses, and what many consider lowball payouts for losses.

From Los Angeles Times • May 13, 2025