undersell

verb

un·​der·​sell ˌən-dər-ˈsel 

undersold ˌən-dər-ˈsōld  ; 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

The front office is incredibly wary about the prospect of underselling its assets. —Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 2 Jan. 2026

But this undersells Mamdani’s achievement, and the qualities of his that enabled it—including a capacity for connection that feels far more natural and less sweaty than what often passes for personal appeal among politicians. —Molly Fischer, New Yorker, 1 Jan. 2026

To call Kristen Foote a real estate professional undersells her impact. —Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 4 Dec. 2025

To say that child labor is pervasive in India’s agricultural industries is to undersell the issue. —Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 20 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1613, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for undersell

• bagatelle
• caravel
• carousel
• carrousel
• citadel
• clientele
• commonweal
• decibel
• demoiselle
• fontanelle
• infidel
• isabel

Kids Definition

undersell

verb

un·​der·​sell ˌən-dər-ˈsel 

undersold -ˈsōld  ; underselling

: to sell articles cheaper than

undersell a competitor