Definition

A person who places a bid in an auction that is lower than another bid, often being the second-highest bidder.

Example

In the auction, the underbidder was disappointed when the winning bid exceeded his offer.

Conversation

Did you see the auction yesterday?

Yeah, it was intense! I heard there was an underbidder at the end.

Right? I wonder how much they were willing to pay.

Probably a lot, but it's always risky to be the underbidder.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Underbidder → It is formed from "under-" (meaning below or beneath) and "bidder" (from the verb "bid", meaning to offer a price). The word refers to a person who offers a price that is lower than others in a bidding situation.

Memory Tip

Think of someone who offers a price that is 'below' ('under-') what others are offering — that's why an underbidder is someone who bids lower.

Visually Confused Words