lowball

[loh-bawl]

noun

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

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

/ 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

verb

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of lowball¹

low ¹ + ball ¹

Example Sentences

But the investigation into the fire’s cause is not yet complete, and some lawyers have advised clients not to accept what they consider a lowball offer.

From Los Angeles Times

Fire victims say they have experienced slow responses from insurance company claims handlers, been rotated to multiple adjusters, denied hygienic testing for toxic chemicals and been given lowball offers.

From Los Angeles Times

And that may be a lowball estimate, according to the American Security Project.

From Salon

Fire victims say disputes have involved, among other things, inspection and remediation of contaminants in homes and on properties, delayed coverage of temporary lodging expenses, and what many consider lowball payouts for losses.

From Los Angeles Times

Davis said that for the last three months, State Farm has “delayed, stonewalled and denied us the help that we’re entitled to,” deploying one inexperienced adjuster after another to lowball her property value.

From Los Angeles Times