underact

American  

[uhn-der-akt] / ˌʌn dərˈækt /

verb (used with or without object)

1. to underplay.

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underact British  

/ ˌʌndərˈækt /

verb

1. theatre to play (a role) without adequate emphasis Compare overact

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Other Word Forms

• underactor noun

Etymology

Origin of underact

First recorded in 1615–25; under- + act

Example Sentences

Mr Yousaf said he has not removed any messages and that all of his underacted files would be handed over.

From BBC

Citing personnel rules, the secretary said disclosing the names of the participants, their rank and their disciplinary status as well as an underacted version of the photo are pending the finished investigation.

From Seattle Times

The village also declined to provide underacted financial information to the Tribune.

From Chicago Tribune

"This beautifully modulated piece of underacting deserves to make him a strong contender at next year's Oscars," wrote Chris Tookey in the Daily Mail.

From Reuters

A fine British cast overact or underact in this perfunctory true-life tale of a working-class lad from a sink estate in south London.

From The Guardian