Word
underrated
Phoneticsun·der·rat·ed, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌəndɝˈɹeɪtɪd/
UK/ˌʌndəɹˈeɪtɪd/
Definition
adj. used to describe something that is actually very good, but most people do not realize it or give it enough credit.
adj. denoting something that is not rated or valued highly enough; better than its reputation suggests.
Examples
“This small café is very underrated and deserves more customers.”
“Many critics argue that the band's second album is their most underrated work, despite its poor initial sales.”
“While the lead actor received most of the accolades, it was the supporting cast's underrated performance that provided the emotional weight necessary for the film's success.”
Examples
simple
“This small café is very underrated and deserves more customers.”
contextual
“Many critics argue that the band's second album is their most underrated work, despite its poor initial sales.”
complex
“While the lead actor received most of the accolades, it was the supporting cast's underrated performance that provided the emotional weight necessary for the film's success.”
Real-World Examples
“Besides, he insists, fun is underrated in football.” “Humans have been steaming food since the Stone Age, but it’s an underrated and underutilized method in modern American kitchens.” Etymology
From under- + rated.
From underrate + -ed.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word family
VERB
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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