underbid

[ uhn-der-bid ]

verb (used with object)

, un·der·bid, un·der·bid·ding.

1. to bid less than (another bid) or less than the bid of (another bidder), especially in seeking a contract to be awarded to the lowest bid or bidder; make an offer at a lower price than.
2. Cards. to bid less than the value or worth of (a contract or hand).

verb (used without object)

, un·der·bid, un·der·bid·ding.

1. to bid lower than another or too low for the value of something.

underbid

/ ˌʌndəˈbɪd /

verb

1. to submit a bid lower than that of (others)

   Irena underbid the other dealers

2. to submit an excessively low bid for
3. bridge to make a bid that will win fewer tricks than is justified by the strength of the hand

   he underbid his hand

Derived Forms

• ˈunderˌbidder, noun

Other Words From

• under·bidder noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of underbid¹

First recorded in 1585–95; under- + bid ¹

Example Sentences

If we are to be underbid on every contract worth having, we might as well go out of the business!

From Project Gutenberg

In the competition for a chance to work, the man with a lower standard of living will underbid the man with a higher standard.

From Project Gutenberg

No tradesman or manufacturer likes to see himself underbid by those who offer better goods at lower prices.

From Project Gutenberg

The Teuton, for a time content with trifling profit, underbid all rivals—and orders and contracts poured into Germany.

From Project Gutenberg

His price is not what he can get, but the lowest he can live for and underbid his neighbor.

From Project Gutenberg