understeer

[uhn-der-steer, uhn-der-steer]

noun

1. a handling characteristic of an automotive vehicle that causes it to turn less sharply than the driver intends because the front wheels slide to the outside of the turn before the rear wheels lose traction.

verb (used without object)

1. (of an automotive vehicle) to undergo understeer, especially excessively.

understeer

/ ˈʌndəˌstɪə /

verb

1. (of a vehicle) to turn less sharply, for a particular movement of the steering wheel, than anticipated

Word History and Origins

Origin of understeer¹

First recorded in 1935–40; under- + steer ¹

Example Sentences

Should I use precious column inches teasing out the scrubby understeer of a Toyota Sienna minivan?

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They are supposed to understeer.

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At times it's also my worst nightmare, understeer.

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One minute he's complaining about oversteer, another about understeer.

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Partly that was to cure understeer - a lack of front grip - in his handling balance.

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