adjective
Uncommon
underrated
uhn-duh-RAY-tihd
Underrated (adjective) means not given as much credit or recognition as it deserves. Example: “Critics now consider the film one of the most underrated movies of the decade.”
adjective
1
Not given as much credit or recognition as it deserves.
"Critics now consider the film one of the most underrated movies of the decade."
"She's an underrated singer who never got the attention she deserved."
"The hourly EMU service means that Largs, arguably an underrated seaside destination, is easy enough to reach from Glasgow for a day out."
— , Ayr miles with a 'Spirit of Scotland' (2025)
How to use underrated
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishBetter than people generally give it credit for.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
sorely underrated
underrated player
underrated album
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more underrated
- Superlative
- most underrated
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Critics now consider the film one of the most _____ movies of the decade.
Etymology
From under- plus rated.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for underrated
See all rhymes for underrated →Frequently asked questions
What does “underrated” mean?
The word “underrated” means not given as much credit or recognition as it deserves. In plain terms, better than people generally give it credit for.
How do you pronounce “underrated”?
“Underrated” is pronounced uhn-duh-RAY-tihd (/ʌn.dɚˈɹeɪ.təd/ in IPA).
How do you use “underrated” in a sentence?
Here is “underrated” used in a sentence: “Critics now consider the film one of the most underrated movies of the decade.”
What part of speech is “underrated”?
“Underrated” is an adjective.
Is “underrated” a common word?
“Underrated” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between underrated and underappreciated?
Underrated focuses on how something is formally judged or ranked compared to its true quality, often in reviews, rankings, or critical opinion. Underappreciated leans more toward everyday recognition and gratitude, such as a person's effort going unnoticed. The two overlap heavily and are often used interchangeably in casual speech.
Is underrated the opposite of overrated?
Yes, underrated and overrated are direct opposites. Underrated means something deserves more credit than it gets, while overrated means something receives more praise than it deserves.
Can underrated be used for people as well as things?
Yes, underrated commonly describes people, such as an underrated athlete or musician, as well as things like movies, books, or restaurants. In every case it signals that the subject's real quality exceeds its public reputation.
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