underrated

USAGE SUMMARY

"underrated" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the word when you want to express that something or someone is not given as much credit or respect as they deserve. Example sentence: His skills as a cook are severely underrated; he can make some of the most delicious dishes I've ever tasted.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I think I have always underrated Myerson – this novel seems to me a great achievement.

The Guardian - Books

This could have something to do with the fact that it came in the latter half of Miller's career, when he was underrated in the US (though celebrated here).

The Guardian

"I feel that we have moved forward and people think always it's about buying but it's as well about cohesion, and cohesion is a very important factor that is a bit underrated usually by people.

The Guardian - Sport

And the power of charisma should not be underrated, especially in the context of the American presidency which is, constitutionally, quite a weak office.

The Economist

In general, the capacity of large wealthy societies to allow festering problems to go un-addressed seems perennially underrated.

The Economist

So Brazilian bankers and borrowers believe that a ratings upgrade is overdue.ANBID, the Brazilian investment bankers' association, argues that the country has long been underrated.

The Economist

NOW that he has won the Man Booker prize (truly against all odds), Howard Jacobson can finally shake off the distinction of being "underrated".

The Economist

It can also be ruinous.The problem of balance is neatly explained by a British hack, Nick Davies, who wrote a seminal (and underrated) book on falsehood, distortion and propaganda in journalism called "Flat Earth News".

The Economist

One, while Mr Thomas is often underrated as a jurist, when he was nominated he was a 43-year old judge on the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.

The Economist

Neither move amounts to outright privatisation, but both will reduce the scope of the state.It is too soon to know just how austerity will play out in Scotland, and Mr Salmond's ability to defy gravity should never be underrated.

The Economist

His transcriptions, often playful, are always devoted to the essence of the original.This maverick virtuoso spoke to The Economist about premiering his new work, why the organ is often underrated and stage fright.Do you think the organ is underrated?The organist as a whole is hugely underrated.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "underrated", provide specific examples or reasons why the subject deserves more recognition. This adds weight to your argument and makes it more persuasive.

Common error

Avoid simply labeling something as "underrated" without providing any supporting evidence. This can weaken your point and make you sound uninformed. Always explain why you believe it deserves more appreciation.

Linguistic Context

The word "underrated" functions primarily as an adjective. It modifies a noun, indicating that the noun's value or quality is not sufficiently recognized. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's usable in written English to express that something or someone is not given as much credit as they deserve.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Encyclopedias

14%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "underrated" is used to describe something whose value or quality is better than is generally believed, according to Ludwig AI. This analysis shows that it's grammatically correct, used very commonly, and found most frequently in News & Media, Encyclopedias and Science. When using "underrated", it is crucial to provide specific reasons and examples, not just label something without support. Related terms include "underappreciated" and "undervalued". As a tip, don't overuse "underrated" without justification and always explain why you believe something deserves more recognition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Undervalued

Emphasizes that the true worth hasn't been properly assessed or recognized.

Underappreciated

Focuses on the lack of gratitude or recognition for something's positive qualities.

Not fully recognized

Highlights that the qualities or importance haven't been completely acknowledged.

Unsung

Suggests a lack of public praise or acknowledgement for contributions or qualities.

Overlooked

Indicates something has been missed or not given sufficient attention.

Neglected

Implies a lack of care or attention leading to a diminished perception of value.

Subtly brilliant

Emphasizes understated excellence that might be missed by some.

Deserving of more praise

Directly states that something should be more highly commended.

Hiding its light under a bushel

Idiomatic expression indicating something is more impressive than it appears.

A hidden gem

Highlights that something valuable is not widely known or appreciated.

FAQs

How can I use "underrated" in a sentence?

You can use "underrated" to describe something that is better than most people believe. For example, "This film is "underrated"; it's actually a masterpiece."

What are some alternatives to the word "underrated"?

Some alternatives to "underrated" include "underappreciated", "undervalued", or "overlooked".

Is it better to say "underrated" or "underestimated"?

While both relate to lower evaluation, "underrated" refers to quality or worth, while "underestimated" refers to quantity or power. A movie is "underrated", while an opponent's strength is "underestimated".

What does it mean when someone says something is "underrated"?

When someone says something is "underrated", they mean it is better or more valuable than most people recognize or appreciate. They believe it deserves more praise or attention.