underwork

American  

[uhn-der-wurk] / ˌʌn dərˈwɜrk /

verb (used with object)

underworked, underworking

1. to do less work on than is necessary or required.

   to underwork an idea.

2. to employ inadequately.

   He underworks his mind and overworks his feet.

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verb (used without object)

underworked, underworking

1. to do less work than is normal or proper.

   He is fat because he underworks and overeats.

Other Word Forms

• underworker noun

Etymology

Origin of underwork

First recorded in 1495–1505; under- + work

Example Sentences

He can go to therapy to discuss why he makes the choices he does, but even if fear or insecurity leads him to overspend or underwork, he has to want to change.

From MarketWatch • Nov. 6, 2025

Mistakes, failures, successes, and an increasing degree of frustration over the overwork narratives we construct about academic lives, and the underwork narratives perceived by those outside of higher education.

From Scientific American • Jan. 9, 2013

The young wife McKay takes with him suffers from underwork, a cold heart and a galloping case of pre-feminism.

From Time Magazine Archive

Mastery of Nervousness", says very well, "the danger of overwork is far less common than that of underwork....

From Religion And Health by Walsh, James J. (James Joseph)

The broad projecting brow seemed too heavy for its underwork; and by its depression, gave a look of sadness to the countenance, till excited animation raised the eye, beaming vivacity and strength.

From The Ladies' Vase Polite Manual for Young Ladies by Lady, An American