Definition

Not filled with enough air or gas, resulting in lower pressure than normal.

Example

The tire was underinflated, causing a rough ride on the highway.

Conversation

I think your bike tire is underinflated.

Really? I didn't notice it was low on air.

Yeah, it looks a bit flat on one side.

Thanks for pointing that out! I’ll pump it up before our ride.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

To have less air or gas than is needed, causing something like a tire to be soft or not fully inflated.

Example

The tire was underinflated, which made the car harder to control.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Did you notice that my bike tire was underinflated?

Yeah, I saw that — it looked a bit flat.

I should have checked it before our ride.

Root Explanation

Underinflated → It is formed from "under-" (meaning below or insufficient) and "inflate" (from Latin "inflatare", meaning to blow up or fill with air) and the suffix "-ed" (indicating a past participle). The word "underinflated" means insufficiently filled with air or not inflated enough.

Memory Tip

Think of something being filled with air 'below' the necessary level ('under-') — that's why underinflated means it doesn't have enough air.

Visually Confused Words