underbid

verb

un·​der·​bid ˌən-dər-ˈbid How to pronounce underbid (audio)
underbid; underbidding

transitive verb

1
: to bid less than (a competing bidder)
2
: to bid (a hand of cards) at less than the strength of the hand warrants

intransitive verb

: to bid too low
underbidder noun

Examples of underbid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Without stricter measures, worker advocates said, companies that adhere to the law are at a competitive disadvantage against unscrupulous companies that can underbid on government contracts. — Joel Jacobs, ProPublica, 15 July 2024 Austal, for its part, was desperate for contracts … observers worried that the yard might have underbid in desperation. — Lawrence Specker | Lspecker@al.com, al, 28 July 2023

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1677, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of underbid was circa 1677

Rhymes for underbid

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“Underbid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underbid. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

underbid

verb
un·​der·​bid ˌən-dər-ˈbid How to pronounce underbid (audio)
underbid; underbidding
1
: to bid less than a competing bidder
2
: to bid too low (as in cards)
underbidder noun
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