English Reference
Verb

undervalued

v.
B2 Upper Intermediate US /ˈəndɝˌvæɫjud/ UK /ˌʌndəvˈæljuːd/ un·der·val·ued

v.to think that something is worth less than it actually is. You use this when you do not give something the respect or price it deserves.

v.to estimate the value of something as being less than it actually is. Often used in economic or social contexts to describe assets or individuals whose worth is not fully recognized.


SIMPLE

The market often undervalued the small tech company before its success.

CONTEXTUAL

Many investors undervalued the potential of renewable energy until the cost of solar panels dropped significantly.

COMPLEX

The critic argued that the artist's early works were undervalued by the public, who failed to appreciate the technical complexity of his brushstrokes.

They may notice that communication flows primarily from school to home rather than in both directions, or that their knowledge of their own children is undervalued.

The Conversation· 11 Sept 2026

What you already have should not be undervalued or taken for granted.

The Guardian· 5 Sept 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Occasional
Updated