underrated

[uhn-der-rey-tid]

adjective

1. rated or evaluated too low; underestimated or undervalued.

   It’s an accomplished album from an underrated band, and will hopefully get them the recognition they deserve.

verb

1. the simple past tense and past participle of underrate.

Word History and Origins

Origin of underrated¹

underrate ( def. ) + -ed ² ( def. )

Example Sentences

That’s all to say that caramelized pears are an underrated fall dessert.

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After spending three months traveling Malaysia, I agree, Penang is the world’s most underrated food capital.

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Also contributing to a sense of novelty are new channels through which underrated artists are increasing their chances at recognition.

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Culture is one of the most underrated ideas in economics.

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But though solidly directed by Elliott Nugent, it creaks under the weight of Hope’s overbearing presence, despite the fresh appeal of the underrated, and these days virtually forgotten, Goddard.

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Related Words

• underestimate 
• underprice 
• undervalue 

When To Use

What does underrated mean?

If you call something underrated, it means you think the general opinion about it is lower than it should be.Underrated is an adjective, but is also the past tense of the verb underrate. It is somewhat more common to call something underrated than to say that people underrate it, but both are used. The opposite of underrated is overrated, which is perhaps more commonly used.Example: I think Brussels sprouts are an underrated food.