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underinvestment

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: /ˌʌndərɪnˈvɛstmənt/

KK: /ʌndərˈɪnvɛstmənt/

noun
Definition

A situation where not enough money is invested in something, leading to poor results or lack of growth.


Example

The company's underinvestment in new technology has caused it to fall behind its competitors.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you heard about the underinvestment in our local parks?
Sloth B
Yeah, it’s really sad to see them falling apart.
Sloth A
I think it’s important for the community to address this underinvestment.
Sloth B
Definitely! We should organize a meeting to discuss it.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
disinvestment
underfunding
neglect
Antonyms
investment
funding
allocation
Root Explanation

Underinvestment → It is formed from "under-" (meaning below or insufficiently) and "investment" (from Latin "investire", meaning to clothe or put on). The word refers to the act of investing insufficiently or below the necessary level.

Memory Tip

Think of 'under-' meaning below or insufficient, and 'investment' as putting resources into something. This helps you remember that underinvestment means not putting enough resources into an endeavor.

Visually Confused Words
overinvestment
reinvestment
investment
divestment
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