underdo
verbEtymology From Middle English underdon, from Old English underdōn (“to put under”), from Proto-Germanic *under + *dōną (“to put”). Equivalent to under- + do. Cognate with German unterthun (“to put under, subject”).
1
To do something insufficiently; especially, to undercook.
- Sorry to say, I've underdone the pot roast. I think we'd better put it back in the oven for a bit.
- Sorry to say, I've underdone the downspout repair. I think we'd better hire someone to replace the whole thing.
2
To do less than is requisite.
- Near-synonyms: (of tasks) half-ass, shortchange, phone in
- We warned him not to underdo it. This customer expects attention to detail.
3
Uncommon To act below one's abilities; do less than one can.
- Near-synonyms: underachieve, slack off
4
Obsolete To put under, subject.
- Derived terms
- underdoer