Word
undervalued
Phoneticsun·der·val·ued, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈəndɝˌvæɫjud/
UK/ˌʌndəvˈæljuːd/
Definition
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.
Examples
“The market often undervalued the small tech company before its success.”
“Many investors undervalued the potential of renewable energy until the cost of solar panels dropped significantly.”
“The critic argued that the artist's early works were undervalued by the public, who failed to appreciate the technical complexity of his brushstrokes.”
Examples
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.”
Real-World Examples
“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.” “What you already have should not be undervalued or taken for granted.” - 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
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/undervalued