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

“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.”

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Challenges with extensive itemization lists, lowball estimates, poor communication and changes with adjusters are major factors for customers.

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First, government officials seeking public buy-in almost always lowball cost estimates to win approval, since neither voters nor legislatures are willing to greenlight projects with the real price displayed up front.

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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.

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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.

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