Definition

To provide care or treatment that is not enough or not appropriate for a person's needs.

Example

The doctor was criticized for choosing to undertreat the patient's condition instead of providing the necessary care.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I feel like my allergies are getting worse lately.

Yeah, I noticed that too. Are you taking any medication?

I am, but I think I might be undertreating them.

You should definitely talk to a doctor about adjusting your treatment.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Undertreat → It is formed from "under-" (meaning below or insufficiently) and "treat" (from Old French *traiter*, meaning to handle or deal with). The word "undertreat" means to handle or deal with something insufficiently or inadequately.

Memory Tip

Think of 'under' meaning insufficiently and 'treat' meaning to handle something — this helps you remember that 'undertreat' means to handle something inadequately.

Visually Confused Words