underrated

American  

[uhn-der-rey-tid] / ˌʌn dərˈreɪ tɪd /

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.

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verb

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

Usage

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.

Etymology

Origin of underrated

underrate ( def. ) + -ed ² ( def. )

Example Sentences

Inflicting boredom on visiting journalists is an underrated achievement for a country.

From The Wall Street Journal

"Not for us, not for me," said the head coach this week when asked if Kamara was underrated outside the club.

From BBC

But if I could recommend one slightly underrated entry from the black-and-white set — one that rewards a rewatch, or a first watch, with uncommon pleasures — might I gently point you toward “Christmas in Connecticut”?

From Salon

Sometimes, some of the stuff he does is a bit underrated.

From BBC

Our annual spotlight on travel includes underrated U.S. cities and faraway lands worth the epic voyage they require.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• underestimate
• underprice
• undervalue