Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

underread

transitive verb

Definition of underread 

1 : to take a reading below the correct reading of (a test) : to read (as a temperature, measurement, or weight) as lower than that actually registered

2 : to read with less than full or due understanding, appreciation, or alertness underread the poets whose reputations they wish to demolish— F. A. Pottle

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 underread

under entry 1 + read

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about underread

Statistics for underread

Look-up Popularity

Comments on underread

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

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

susurrous

full of whispering sounds

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

Difficult Vocab Quiz

  • the-education-of-achilles-eugne-delacroix
  • Which is a synonym of discomfit?
Spell It

Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?

TAKE THE QUIZ
Add Diction

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