lowball

American  

[loh-bawl] / ˈloʊˌbɔl /

noun

1. Cards. a game of draw poker in which the player having the lowest-ranking hand wins the pot.

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verb (used with object)

1. to deliberately estimate a lower low price for (a service or merchandise) than one intends to charge.

   to lowball the cost of a move.

2. to give a false estimate or bid for.

verb (used without object)

1. to engage in lowballing.

adjective

1. engaged in or characteristic of lowballing.

   a lowball bid.

lowball British  

/ ˈləʊˌbɔːl /

noun

1. a game of poker in which the player with the lowest hand wins

2. 1. a very low estimate or offer

   2. ( as modifier )

      a lowball bid

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verb

1. (tr) to make a very low estimate or offer for (a service, product, company, etc)

Etymology

Origin of lowball

low ¹ + ball ¹

Example Sentences

Should one give a lowball forecast to investors only to over deliver later, or be ambitious and do everything possible to stick to the promised goal?

From The Wall Street Journal

Redfin says many investors are making lowball offers for the lots, with plans to flip the land into new homes.

From The Wall Street Journal

The insurance companies eventually made a “lowball offer” more than a month ago that was rejected by the Skaggs family.

From Los Angeles Times

The sense among Warner executives and their advisers was that Paramount was trying to lowball the company.

From The Wall Street Journal

“We trusted their promise to help us rebuild like a good neighbor. But what we faced instead is confusion, lowball estimates and a delay at every turn.”

From Los Angeles Times