undersell

/ˌʌndəˈsel/ (bre, ipa) · [ˈʌndɚsˌɛl] /ˌʌndərˈsel/ (ame, ipa) · [ˈʌndɚsˌɛl] /ˌən-dər-ˈsel How to pronounce undersell (audio)/ (ame, mw)

undersell — verb

  • undersellpresent simple I / you / we / they
  • undersellshe / she / it
  • undersoldpast simple
  • underselling-ing form

1. to charge less for what you sell than another business charges for similar thing

1.動詞及物C1
釋義

to charge less for what you sell than another business charges for similar things, in order to win buyers.

例句

The market stall undersold nearby shops by ten dollars a kilo.

undersell + rival + by + amount

Online sellers can undersell local bookstores when rent costs rise.

同義詞
  • undercut

    very close in meaning, often stressing a slightly lower competing price

  • discount

    means lower the price, but not always in direct competition with another seller

  • outprice

    more business-like and often suggests forcing a rival out through price

反義詞
  • overprice

    to set a price higher than buyers think is fair

文法句型

undersell + rival/competitor

undersell + rival + by + amount

用法筆記

Often compares one seller with another and may be followed by 'by' plus an amount to show the price gap. Common with rivals, supermarkets, airlines, and online shops rather than one private sale.

常見錯誤

❌The shop undersold than its rivals.
✅The shop undersold its rivals.
💡'undersell' takes a direct object, not 'than' after the verb.

2. to describe yourself or something in a way that makes it seem less good, importa

2.動詞及物C1
釋義

to describe yourself or something in a way that makes it seem less good, important, or interesting than it really is.

例句

During the interview, Naomi undersold herself and skipped her best project.

reflexive: undersell yourself

The poster undersold the concert, so half the seats stayed empty.

同義詞
  • underrate

    focuses on judging value or quality too low, often in opinion rather than publicity

  • downplay

    stresses making something seem less important, often on purpose

  • belittle

    stronger and more negative, often insulting a person or achievement

反義詞
  • promote

    to present something positively so more people notice or value it

  • praise

    to speak well of someone or something directly

文法句型

undersell + yourself

undersell + achievement/product/event

用法筆記

Frequently used with 'yourself' when someone speaks too modestly about their skills or experience. It can also take a product, plan, or event as the object when publicity makes it sound less attractive than it really is.

常見錯誤

❌In the interview, Mei undersold about her experience.
✅In the interview, Mei undersold her experience.
💡this sense takes a direct object, not 'about'.