Undercut
/ˌʌndərˈkʌt/
Definitions
3 meaningsTo cut beneath or at the base of something; to weaken or undermine.
/ˌʌndərˈkʌt/
To cut or carve from below.
The river undercut the banks, causing the trees to fall.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're carving a sculpture. If you're removing material from the bottom part, you're undercutting it. This could also mean to weaken something like, if you're trying to get a better deal you can undercut your competitors.
👶 For kids: To cut something from underneath, like a cookie cutter that cuts the dough. Or to make something weaker.
More Examples
The company undercut its competitors by offering lower prices.
The sculptor undercut the marble to create a sense of movement.
How It's Used
"The carpenter undercut the beam to fit it into the supporting structure."
"The barber undercut the back of the client's hair for a modern look."
To sell goods or services at a lower price than a competitor.
/ˌʌndərˈkʌt/
To charge less than (a competitor).
The new online retailer undercut the established bookstores with significantly lower prices.
💡 Simply: If you're selling lemonade and the other stand is selling it for $1, and you sell it for 50 cents, you're undercutting them – offering a better deal!
👶 For kids: To sell something for less money than someone else.
More Examples
The company decided to undercut its rivals by offering a steep discount.
They undercut the competition to gain market share.
How It's Used
"The new store undercut the existing businesses by offering lower prices."
"To undercut the cost of production"
A cut made from below, often to weaken or destabilize something.
/ˈʌndərkʌt/
A cut made from below.
The undercut in the wooden beam was crucial for its structural integrity.
💡 Simply: It's when you make a cut from underneath, like when carving wood to make something thinner at the bottom.
👶 For kids: A cut from the bottom.
More Examples
The sculptor used undercuts to give the statue a more dynamic appearance.
The cabinet maker made a precise undercut for the drawer slides.
How It's Used
"The undercut was precisely made to allow the piece to fit securely."
"The sculptor used undercuts to create depth and shadow."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
undercutting
The act of selling goods or services at a lower price than a competitor.
"The company was accused of predatory undercutting, which drove many small businesses out of business."
From Middle English *undercutten*, from Old English *under-* (under) + *cutten* (to cut).
The word 'undercut' has been used since the 14th century, originally referring to physical cutting from below. Its use in a business context developed later.
Memory tip
Think of literally cutting away at the bottom to destabilize something.
Word Origin
"under (below) + cut (to cut)"