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verb

undercut

UHN-duh-kuht

Undercut (verb) means to sell at a lower price, or offer to work for less, than a competitor. Example: “The new store undercut every price in the neighborhood.”

verb
1
To sell at a lower price, or offer to work for less, than a competitor.
"The new store undercut every price in the neighborhood."
2
To weaken or damage something indirectly.
"His constant complaints undercut morale on the team."
noun
1
A hairstyle shaved short at the sides and back but left long on top.
"She got an undercut before the summer."

How to use undercut

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo beat a rival by going lower (in price or effort), or to weaken something from underneath.

Common pairings
undercut the competition undercut prices

Word forms

undercut past tense, undercuts plural, undercuts singular

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Test yourself on “undercut” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

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The new store _____ every price in the neighborhood.

Etymology

From Middle English undercutten, from under- + cut.

Origin: Middle English

Rhymes for undercut

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Frequently asked questions

What does “undercut” mean?

The word “undercut” means to sell at a lower price, or offer to work for less, than a competitor. In plain terms, to beat a rival by going lower (in price or effort), or to weaken something from underneath.

How do you pronounce “undercut”?

“Undercut” is pronounced UHN-duh-kuht (/ˈʌndə(ɹ)kʌt/ in IPA).

How do you use “undercut” in a sentence?

Here is “undercut” used in a sentence: “The new store undercut every price in the neighborhood.”

What part of speech is “undercut”?

Depending on how it is used, “undercut” can be a verb and a noun.

Where does the word “undercut” come from?

The word “undercut” comes from Middle English. From Middle English undercutten, from under- + cut.

How many meanings does “undercut” have?

“Undercut” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to sell at a lower price, or offer to work for less, than a competitor.

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial