Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
dictionary thesaurus view recents

underdo

verb
Save Word

Definition of underdo

intransitive verb

: to do less than one can or than is requisite or proper

transitive verb

1 : to do less thoroughly than one can or should especially : to cook (as meat) rare
2 obsolete : underact

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

History and Etymology for underdo

under entry 1 + do

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about underdo

Comments on underdo

What made you want to look up underdo? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

fortitude

Listen to the pronounciation of fortitude

strength of mind

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

Pass the Little Ribbons: A Pasta Word Quiz

  • pasta resembling wheels with spokes
  • Match the pasta to its meaning in English: Rotelle
Spell It

Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?

TAKE THE QUIZ
Citation

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games