underbuy
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈʌndərˌbaɪ/
KK: /ʌndərˈbaɪ/
intransitive verb
Definition
To purchase an amount that is less than what is necessary or desired.
Example
If you underbuy supplies, you may run out before the project is finished.
Tense Forms
Past: underbought
Past Participle: underbought
Conversation
I noticed you underbuy groceries this week, is everything okay?
Yeah, I thought I could save some money, but I ended up running out of snacks.
That makes sense, sometimes buying less can backfire.
Exactly! Next time, I’ll just stick to my usual list.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
skimp
scrimp
sting
Antonyms
overbuy
splurge
spend
transitive verb
Definition
To purchase something for a price that is lower than what is considered normal or expected.
Example
The company decided to underbuy materials to save costs, but it affected the quality of the final product.
Tense Forms
Past: underbought
Past Participle: underbought
Conversation
I think I might underbuy on groceries this week to save some cash.
That could work, but make sure you don’t miss out on essentials.
Yeah, I just want to avoid buying too much and wasting food.
Root Explanation
Underbuy → It is formed from "under-" (meaning below or beneath) and "buy" (from Old English "bycgan", meaning to purchase). The word "underbuy" means to purchase something at a price that is lower than expected or lower than its value.
Memory Tip
Think of buying something for a price that is 'below' ('under-') what it is worth — that's what underbuy means.
Visually Confused Words
No commonly confused words.