Undervalue: meaning, definitions and examples

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undervalue

 

[ ˌʌndərˈvæljuː ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

in finance

To underestimate the true worth or importance of something.

Synonyms

devalue, underestimate, underprice.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
undervalue

Undervalue is typically used when you mean that someone or something is not appreciated or recognized for its full worth or potential. It can refer to both objects and abstract qualities.

  • You shouldn't undervalue your skills; you are more capable than you think.
  • The art community tends to undervalue contemporary pieces.
underestimate

Underestimate is used when you judge someone or something to be weaker, less important, or less capable than they actually are. It often implies a mistake in judgment.

  • Don't underestimate him; he has a lot more experience than you think.
  • Many people underestimate how difficult it is to run a marathon.
devalue

Devalue is often used in financial and economic contexts to describe a reduction in the worth of currency, but it can also be used more broadly to mean diminishing someone's worth or qualities. It usually has a negative connotation.

  • The government decided to devalue the national currency to boost exports.
  • By ignoring her contributions, you devalue her efforts and hard work.
underprice

Underprice is used in commercial contexts to describe the act of setting a price lower than the market value or lower than what something is worth. This term is often used in business or marketing settings.

  • The startup decided to underprice its products to attract more customers.
  • If you underprice your services, clients might think they are of low quality.

Examples of usage

  • She felt undervalued at work and decided to look for a new job.
  • The company's stock price is undervalued compared to its potential growth.
Context #2 | Verb

in personal relationships

To fail to appreciate someone or something properly.

Synonyms

disregard, underappreciate, underestimate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
undervalue

Use this word when you want to express that something is not given the financial or practical worth it truly has.

  • Many people undervalue the importance of mental health in overall well-being
underestimate

Use this word when you want to convey that the ability, amount, or significance of something is judged to be less than it actually is.

  • We shouldn't underestimate the power of small actions when it comes to making a big change
disregard

This term is suitable when someone is ignoring or paying no attention to something, often in a dismissive way.

  • He was fired because he continued to disregard company policies
underappreciate

Choose this word when someone or something is not given enough appreciation or recognition.

  • She felt underappreciated at work despite her hard efforts

Examples of usage

  • He often undervalued her contributions to the project.
  • It's important not to undervalue the support of friends and family.

Translations

Translations of the word "undervalue" in other languages:

🇵🇹 subestimar

🇮🇳 कम करके आँकना

🇩🇪 unterschätzen

🇮🇩 meremehkan

🇺🇦 недооцінювати

🇵🇱 niedoceniać

🇯🇵 過小評価する (kashou hyouka suru)

🇫🇷 sous-estimer

🇪🇸 subestimar

🇹🇷 küçümsemek

🇰🇷 과소평가하다 (gwaseopyeonggahada)

🇸🇦 يقلل من شأنه (yuqallil min sha'nihi)

🇨🇿 podceňovat

🇸🇰 podceňovať

🇨🇳 低估 (dīgū)

🇸🇮 podcenjevati

🇮🇸 vanmeta

🇰🇿 құнын төмендету

🇬🇪 დაუფასებლობა (daufasebloba)

🇦🇿 qiymətləndirməmək

🇲🇽 subestimar

Etymology

The word 'undervalue' originated from the prefix 'under-' meaning 'below' or 'less than' and the word 'value' meaning 'the regard that something is held to deserve'. The term has been in use since the 16th century, evolving to its current meaning of underestimating worth or importance.

See also: devaluation, devalue, evaluable, invaluable, overvaluation, overvalue, overvalued, revaluation, undervaluation, undervalued, unvaluable, unvalued, valuable, valuables, valuation, valuator, valued, valueless, values, valuing.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,393, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.