Lowball: meaning, definitions and examples

Often used in business or negotiations when someone makes an offer that is much lower than the actual value to see if the other party will accept it. This term has a negative connotation as it implies dishonesty or lack of respect for the other party's value.

• He tried to lowball me on the price of my car.
• The contractor gave a lowball estimate hoping to win the contract, but the final cost was much higher.

This is used in gambling or financial contexts when someone bets or invests less than a certain threshold or less than what is typical or expected. It does not carry a strong negative connotation but suggests caution or a conservative approach.

• He decided to underbet because he wasn't confident in his hand.
• In poker, an underbet can sometimes be a strategic move to entice others to raise.

Commonly used in gambling or casual conversations about wagers. It simply refers to a bet involving a small amount of money or stakes, without any implication of dishonesty.

• I made a small bet on the horse race just for fun.
• Let's start with a small bet and see how it goes.

Used in gambling or situations involving bets where someone makes a bet that looks unattractive or misleading to deceive others. It carries a negative connotation because it involves trickery.

• He placed a deceptive bet to throw his opponents off.
• Her deceptive bet made everyone think she had a weak hand when she actually had a strong one.

Used when someone intentionally makes an offer that is much lower than the item's value, often in negotiations or sales. This term can have a negative connotation as it implies trying to exploit the other party.

• He tried to lowball me with a ridiculous price for my car.
• They lowballed their bid in hopes of winning the contract.

Primarily used in competitive bidding situations, such as auctions or contracting. This involves offering a lower price than the competition, often in a strategic manner.

• We managed to underbid our competitors to secure the project.
• The contractor underbid the others to win the renovation job.

Refers to an offer that is low in price, which may or may not be intentionally insulting. It is more neutral compared to 'lowball'. It can be used in various contexts including buying, selling, and job offers.

• They made a cheap offer on the house, hoping the owners were desperate.
• I got a cheap offer for the used laptop, but I decided to wait for a better one.

Used in formal or professional settings to describe an offer or proposal that does not meet expectations or standards. It is more polite but clearly expresses discontent.

• The board found the budget proposal to be unsatisfactory.
• Her salary offer was unsatisfactory, so she decided to negotiate.