undershoot

American  

[uhn-der-shoot, uhn-der-shoot] / ˌʌn dərˈʃut, ˈʌn dərˌʃut /

verb (used with object)

undershot, undershooting

1. to shoot or launch a projectile that strikes under or short of (a target).

2. Aeronautics. (of an aircraft or pilot) to land before reaching (a landing strip) because of a too rapid loss of altitude.

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verb (used without object)

undershot, undershooting

1. to shoot or launch a projectile so as to strike under or short of a target.

undershoot British  

/ ˌʌndəˈʃuːt /

verb

1. (of a pilot) to cause (an aircraft) to land short of (a runway) or (of an aircraft) to land in this way

2. to shoot a projectile so that it falls short of (a target)

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Etymology

Origin of undershoot

First recorded in 1655–65; under- + shoot ¹

Example Sentences

“The risk in 2026 has always been skewed to further easing given the expected undershoot of the inflation target,” Deutsche Bank’s Chief European Economist Mark Wall said in a recent research note.

From Barron's • Feb. 4, 2026

It is likely that the projections will show a modest inflation undershoot in 2028 at 1.9%, but this is unlikely to be meaningful enough to change the ECB’s guidance, RBC analysts said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 12, 2025

A runway safety area refers to an area adjacent to, or at the end of a runway, meant to limit damage to aircraft should they overshoot, undershoot or veer off the runway.

From BBC • Jan. 22, 2025

Mester said the Fed now faces a balancing act, saying it is very important for the central bank to be diligent, noting "we don't want to over tighten, we don't want to undershoot."

From Reuters • Aug. 25, 2023

"Better to overshoot than to undershoot," added Aylward.

From The White Company by Doyle, Arthur Conan, Sir