underdressed
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˌʌndərˈdrɛst/
KK: /ʌndərˈdrɛst/
adjective
Definition
Not wearing enough clothing for the weather or not dressing appropriately for a formal occasion.
Example
She felt underdressed at the wedding because she wore a simple dress instead of a fancy gown.
Conversation
Are you sure I'm not underdressed for this party?
Not at all! You look great in that outfit.
I just didn't want to feel out of place if everyone else is fancy.
Trust me, you fit right in — no need to worry about being underdressed!
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
inadequate
casual
informal
Antonyms
dressed
formal
elegant
verb
Definition
To wear clothing that is too casual or not formal enough for a particular occasion.
Example
She felt out of place at the wedding because she was underdressed compared to the other guests.
Tense Forms
Past: underdressed
Past Participle: underdressed
Conversation
I can't believe I underdressed for the party last night.
Really? I thought everyone looked great!
Yeah, I should have worn something fancier.
Root Explanation
Underdressed → It is formed from "under-" (meaning below or insufficiently) and "dressed" (from Old French *dresser*, meaning to arrange or put on). The word "underdressed" means insufficiently dressed or not wearing enough clothing for a particular occasion.
Memory Tip
Think of being 'below' ('under-') the expected level of 'dressing' — that's why underdressed means not wearing enough clothing.
Visually Confused Words
unredressed
unaddressed
undressed