underbid
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈʌndərˌbɪd/
KK: /ˈʌndərˌbɪd/
intransitive verb
Definition
To offer a price that is lower than what is reasonable or expected, often in a competitive situation.
Example
The contractor decided to underbid on the project to win the contract.
Tense Forms
Past: underbid
Past Participle: underbid
Conversation
Did you hear about the auction last night?
Yeah, I heard someone really underbid on that painting.
I can't believe they thought they could get it so cheap!
Right? It was a beautiful piece, totally worth more.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
outbid
undercut
discount
Antonyms
overbid
inflate
premium
transitive verb
Definition
To offer a lower price than someone else in a bidding situation.
Example
The contractor decided to underbid his competitors to win the project.
Tense Forms
Past: underbid
Past Participle: underbid
Conversation
Did you hear about the auction last weekend?
Yeah, I heard someone really underbid on that painting.
I can't believe they would do that; it seemed like a valuable piece.
Root Explanation
Underbid → It is formed from "under-" (meaning below or beneath) and "bid" (from Old English "byddan", meaning to offer or command). The word "underbid" means to offer a lower price than someone else, thus placing a bid below the competing offer.
Memory Tip
Think of making an offer that is 'below' ('under-') what someone else has proposed — that's why underbid means to bid lower.
Visually Confused Words
thunderbird