undercharge
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈʌndərˌtʃɑrdʒ/
KK: /ˈʌndərˌtʃɑrdʒ/
noun
Definition
A charge that is less than what is appropriate or expected, often resulting in a loss of revenue or profit.
Example
The company faced a loss due to an undercharge on their services.
Conversation
Did you hear about the undercharge on my last bill?
No, what happened?
They charged me way less than they should have!
That's lucky, but you might want to check it out just in case.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
discount
rebate
deduction
Antonyms
surcharge
markup
premium
transitive verb
Definition
To charge someone less money than what is normal or expected for a service or product.
Example
The store decided to undercharge customers during the sale to attract more buyers.
Tense Forms
Past: undercharged
Past Participle: undercharged
Conversation
I think my mechanic might have undercharged me for the repairs.
Really? How much did he charge you?
Only a hundred bucks, which seems too low for what he did.
Root Explanation
Undercharge → It is formed from "under-" (meaning below or insufficient) and "charge" (from Old French *charger*, meaning to load or impose a cost). The word "undercharge" means to impose a cost that is below what is appropriate or expected.
Memory Tip
Think of being charged 'below' ('under-') the proper amount — that's why undercharge means to charge less than what is due.
Visually Confused Words
uncharge
countercharge
unsurcharge
supercharge
intercharge
uncharged
surcharge