Word
undrafted
Phoneticsun·draft·ed
Definition
adj. not picked in the official selection for a sports team or the army. You use this for players who join a team later even though no team chose them at first.
adj. not selected during an official draft for professional sports teams or compulsory military service. Most commonly describes athletes who enter a league without draft selection.
Examples
“He plays well even though he is undrafted.”
“After going undrafted last spring, she signed as a free agent and earned a spot in training camp.”
“Despite going undrafted out of college, the guard built a long career through persistence, defensive discipline, and timely shooting that finally forced coaches to trust him.”
Examples
simple
“He plays well even though he is undrafted.”
contextual
“After going undrafted last spring, she signed as a free agent and earned a spot in training camp.”
complex
“Despite going undrafted out of college, the guard built a long career through persistence, defensive discipline, and timely shooting that finally forced coaches to trust him.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “undrafted” in context.
Verb
01. go undrafted
“Many talented college players go undrafted every year.”
verb + adj
02. remain undrafted
“She remained undrafted despite averaging twenty points last season.”
verb + adj
03. stay undrafted
“If he stays undrafted, several European clubs want to sign him.”
verb + adj
04. undrafted impress
“Several undrafted impressed coaches during preseason tryouts.”
noun + verb
Adjective
05. currently undrafted
“The young guard is currently undrafted but hopes to sign after summer league.”
adv + adj
06. still undrafted
“He is still undrafted after two days of the NFL Draft.”
adv + adj
Noun
07. undrafted player
“The Lakers signed an undrafted player to a two-way contract.”
adj + noun
08. undrafted prospect
“He entered camp as an undrafted prospect fighting for a contract.”
adj + noun
09. enter league as undrafted player
“She entered the league as an undrafted player and soon became a starter.”
10. go undrafted in draft
“He went undrafted in the draft but signed with Miami the next day.”
11. make team as undrafted rookie
“He made the team as an undrafted rookie through hard work on defense.”
12. sign as undrafted free agent
“She signed as an undrafted free agent after a strong college career.”
Usage
Typically follows 'go' or 'be' ('go undrafted', 'is undrafted'); also used before nouns ('an undrafted player').
Real-World Examples
“The Washington Commanders intend to release veteran kicker Jake Moody and entrust undrafted rookie Drew Stevens with the job, according to multiple reports on Monday.” “After Sanders went undrafted in the first round, US President Donald Trump questioned if NFL team owners are "stupid",, external adding that the former Colorado quarterback "should be picked immediately".” “The punter, 22, spent the off-season with the Browns after being signed as an undrafted free agent.” Antonyms
Word family
VERB
ADJECTIVE
Related words
- 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
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/undrafted