Definition

To turn less sharply than intended, often causing the front wheels of a vehicle to lose grip during a turn.

Example

When driving too fast around a corner, the car began to understeer, making it difficult to steer properly.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Did you notice how my car seemed to understeer during the turn?

Yeah, it looked like you were trying to turn sharper than it wanted to go.

I guess I need to adjust my steering technique to avoid that.

Definitely! It can be tricky, but you'll get the hang of it.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

A situation in which a vehicle turns less sharply than the driver wants, often causing it to go straight instead of following the intended curve.

Example

The car experienced understeer during the sharp turn, making it difficult to navigate the corner.

Conversation

I was driving my car yesterday and felt it understeer during a turn.

That can be pretty unsettling, right?

Yeah, I didn't expect it to understeer like that; I thought I was going too fast.

Root Explanation

Understeer → It is formed from "under-" (meaning below or beneath) and "steer" (from Old English "styran", meaning to guide or control). The term describes a situation in driving where the front wheels lose grip, causing the vehicle to turn less than intended, hence steering below the desired path.

Memory Tip

Think of a vehicle that is 'guiding' ('steer') but is 'below' ('under-') the intended path, which helps you remember that understeer means not turning as much as expected.

Visually Confused Words