underdo

[ uhn-der-doo ]

verb (used with or without object)

, un·der·did, un·der·done, un·der·do·ing.

1. to do less or in a lesser fashion than is usual or requisite.

Word History and Origins

Origin of underdo¹

First recorded in 1605–15; under- + do ¹

Example Sentences

It is distinctly unhealthful either to overdo or to underdo work, play, rest, or sleep.

From Project Gutenberg

A young fellow should be ambitious to shine in everything—and, of the two, always rather overdo than underdo.

From Project Gutenberg

A young fellow should be ambitious to shine in everything; and, of the two, rather overdo than underdo.

From Project Gutenberg

The English overdo or underdo everything, and are either drunk or in despair.

From Project Gutenberg

With all their attention, however, they sometimes overdo the business, and sometimes underdo it.

From Project Gutenberg