undervalue

American  

[uhn-der-val-yoo] / ˌʌn dərˈvæl yu /

verb (used with object)

undervalued, undervaluing

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.

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undervalue British  

/ ˌʌndəˈvæljuː /

verb

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

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Other Word Forms

• undervaluation noun
• undervaluer noun

Etymology

Origin of undervalue

First recorded in 1590–1600; under- + value

Example Sentences

“We tend to undervalue and I would say underinvest in those unsexy but important capabilities like the oilers, like the auxiliaries, like the tenders. It’s the quiet backbone of American naval power.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

People who ignore or undervalue prompting will remain trapped in the drudgery of manual operations, where data points must be located and assembled.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 25, 2026

Calling for higher upfront fees, Baker said, “Let’s demand what we’re worth. I know that if you’re in this room, you’re proven you’re worth it. So let’s not undervalue ourselves any longer.”

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 23, 2025

Previous reports have looked at how policy makers undervalue the true worth of nature and, in a hard-hitting 2019 report, how human activity was risking the extinction of a million species.

From BBC • Dec. 17, 2024

"Jessie, don't think I undervalue that," said Archie, speaking quite frankly and sincerely.

From Across the Stream by Benson, Edward Frederic

Related Words

• despise
• underestimate
• underrate