underwork

[ uhn-der-wurk ]

verb (used with object)

, un·der·worked, un·der·work·ing.

1. to do less work on than is necessary or required:

   to underwork an idea.

2. to employ inadequately:

   He underworks his mind and overworks his feet.

verb (used without object)

, un·der·worked, un·der·work·ing.

1. to do less work than is normal or proper:

   He is fat because he underworks and overeats.

Other Words From

• under·worker noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of underwork¹

First recorded in 1495–1505; under- + work

Example Sentences

In sprig H the underwork consists of stitching in soft cotton, over which thick silk is embroidered in bullion-stitch.

From Project Gutenberg

But while Marx thus objects to piecework because it leads to overwork, he objects to it also because it leads to underwork.

From Project Gutenberg

You have brought owned labor with it, to compete with your own labor, to underwork you, and to degrade you!

From Project Gutenberg

The pinnacles and upper set-off of the two centre buttresses in the figure were added by Wykeham to Edingdon's underwork.

From Project Gutenberg

With finely turned legs and stretcher and scalloped underwork.

From Project Gutenberg