underrated

American  

[uhn-der-rey-tid] / ˌʌn dərˈreɪ tɪd /

adjective

1. rated or evaluated too low; underestimated or undervalued.

   It’s an accomplished album from an underrated band, and will hopefully get them the recognition they deserve.

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verb

1. the simple past tense and past participle of underrate.

Usage

What does underrated mean? If you call something underrated, it means you think the general opinion about it is lower than it should be. Underrated is an adjective, but is also the past tense of the verb underrate. It is somewhat more common to call something underrated than to say that people underrate it, but both are used. The opposite of underrated is overrated, which is perhaps more commonly used. Example: I think Brussels sprouts are an underrated food.

Etymology

Origin of underrated

underrate ( def. ) + -ed ² ( def. )

Example Sentences

An All-ACC first-team player for an underrated Louisville team, Ziegler can pass and make threes.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 12, 2026

When you look at Darren Fletcher and Ji-sung Park, the energy they give is incredible and a bit underrated.

From BBC • Mar. 20, 2026

However, one reason may be underrated due to the perceptions people have about Canada.

From Salon • Mar. 11, 2026

Gyllenhaal’s love for other variations of this story is right up there onscreen with brash callbacks to Mel Brooks’ 1974 “Young Frankenstein” and the underrated “Frankenhooker.”

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 4, 2026

“I think pain is the most underrated emotion available to us,” the Count said.

From "The Princess Bride" by William Goldman

Related Words

• underestimate
• underprice
• undervalue