undergraduate
3 synonyms and 2 antonyms for undergraduate, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A university student who has not yet earned a degree.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use undergraduate
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
undergraduate degree
undergraduate student
Etymology
From under- + graduate — literally, someone below the rank of a graduate.
Full origin of undergraduate →Frequently asked questions
What does “undergraduate” mean?
The word “undergraduate” means a university student who has not yet earned a degree. In plain terms, a student working toward their first (bachelor's) degree.
How do you use “undergraduate” in a sentence?
Here is “undergraduate” used in a sentence: “He spent four years as an undergraduate studying physics.”
What is the opposite of “undergraduate”?
The opposite of “undergraduate” — its antonyms — are postgraduate and graduate.
What part of speech is “undergraduate”?
Depending on how it is used, “undergraduate” can be a noun and an adjective.
Is “undergraduate” a common word?
“Undergraduate” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “undergraduate” have?
“Undergraduate” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a university student who has not yet earned a degree.
What is the difference between an undergraduate and a graduate student?
An undergraduate is a university student who has not yet earned a degree, typically studying for a bachelor's degree. A graduate student has already completed an undergraduate degree and is pursuing further study, such as a master's or doctorate. The two levels involve different coursework and academic status.
Can undergraduate be used as an adjective?
Yes, undergraduate can describe anything relating to undergraduate study, such as an undergraduate course, undergraduate degree, or undergraduate student. In this use it modifies a noun rather than referring to a person directly.
Is undergraduate the same as freshman?
No, undergraduate is a broader term covering any student working toward a first degree, from first year through final year. Freshman refers specifically to a first-year undergraduate student, so all freshmen are undergraduates but not all undergraduates are freshmen.
