undersell

verb

un·​der·​sell ˌən-dər-ˈsel How to pronounce undersell (audio)
undersold ˌən-dər-ˈsōld How to pronounce undersell (audio) ; underselling

transitive verb

1
: to sell articles cheaper than
undersell a competitor
we will not be undersold
2
: to sell cheaper than
imported cars that undersell domestic ones
3
: to present or speak of (something or someone) as having a lower value or less importance than is actual or deserved : underrate
advising job applicants not to undersell themselves
Don't undersell the qualities of a worthy trail horse …Lucie Stigler
Dylan's musicianship is often undersold by critics …Amanda Petrusich

Examples of undersell in a Sentence

They promised to undersell their competitors. We will not be undersold. imported cars that undersell domestic models
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Reverse catfishing refers to deliberately underselling yourself online in the hope of finding something more real. Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025 Nunemaker said the search committee tried to give Sajet a realistic picture of the museum, the board and Milwaukee as a place to live without sugarcoating or underselling anything. Jim Higgins, jsonline.com, 3 Sep. 2025 To call it a local success story would be to undersell it: multiple players have turned professional after starting here, including Portugal international midfielder Otavio and Nino, an Olympic gold medallist with the Brazil Under-23 side. Jack Lang, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2025 But a confrontation with Doreen near the end that becomes a self-reckoning for Lynette undersells the pathos. David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 14 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for undersell

Word History

First Known Use

1613, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of undersell was in 1613

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Undersell.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/undersell. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

undersell

verb
un·​der·​sell ˌən-dər-ˈsel How to pronounce undersell (audio)
undersold -ˈsōld How to pronounce undersell (audio) ; underselling
: to sell articles cheaper than
undersell a competitor

More from Merriam-Webster on undersell

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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