Undercooked: meaning, definitions and examples

This term is often used to describe food that has not been cooked long enough and is not safe to eat or is not as tasty as it should be. It usually implies a negative or disappointing result.

• The chicken was undercooked and I had to send it back.
• Undercooked rice can be very hard to chew and digest.

Refers to food that has not been cooked at all. Often used for ingredients like vegetables, fish (in sushi), or certain types of meat. It can also imply something is unprocessed or in its natural state.

• She enjoys raw carrots as a snack.
• Sushi often includes raw fish, which is considered a delicacy.

Generically refers to food that has not been cooked. Can be used for any type of food that is normally cooked before eating.

• The recipe called for uncooked pasta to be added later in the cooking process.
• Keep the uncooked dough in the fridge until you are ready to bake.

Typically used to describe meat, particularly steak, that has been cooked very briefly so that it remains red inside. This is a preferred level of doneness for many people.

• He ordered his steak rare, loving the more natural flavor.
• A rare burger might not be safe to eat if not cooked properly.

Similar to undercooked, but often suggests that the cooking process was only partially completed. It can also carry a negative connotation, implying something is not ready or complete.

• The potatoes were half-cooked, making the dish unpleasant.
• Don’t serve half-cooked meat to your guests; it can be unsafe.