undervalue him

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "undervalue him" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing someone’s worth or contributions, implying that they are not being appreciated or recognized appropriately. Example: "It's important not to undervalue him; his insights have been crucial to our success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Vick is more of a big-play threat than most quarterbacks — both with his arm and his legs — which will mean traditional passer rating will always undervalue him.

The New York Times

With the time and money these Mets have devoted to pitching, they could reward Dickey or undervalue him, with young arms on the way.

The New York Times - Sports

Americans still undervalue him greatly, notwithstanding that his masterpiece, "The Entry of Christ Into Brussels in 1889," is at the Getty in Los Angeles.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Brees is an incredibly valuable player, and ANY/A slightly undervalues him.

The New York Times

Now a Knick, Rice believes that the Lakers, under Jackson's influence, mistreated and undervalued him.

The New York Times - Sports

The prince, one of the most influential businessmen in the Middle East, insists the list undervalues him by $9.6bn.

The Guardian - Business

With a $14.6 million salary last season, Sprewell felt that the Timberwolves had undervalued him, remarking, infamously, that he had a family to feed.

The New York Times

Hejda, who played four of his first five NHL seasons with the Blue Jackets, was offered a contract by Columbus, but felt that the organization undervalued him and left via free agency.

Wikipedia

It's a predilection that still sees him undervalued.

The Guardian

Mr. Perelman had charged in his papers that Mr. Gagosian took advantage of him, "undervaluing works when purchasing them, overvaluing them when selling them, and pocketing the substantial differential".

The New York Times - Arts

The superhuman tenacity that he brought to sniffing out undervalued companies also served him well in his personal life.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "undervalue him", consider the specific aspect of the person you feel is being underappreciated – is it their skills, contributions, or overall worth? Tailor your language to reflect that nuance for greater precision.

Common error

Avoid using "undervalue him" when you mean to say someone is actively trying to undermine his efforts or reputation. "Undervalue" implies a passive lack of appreciation, while "undermine" suggests an intentional effort to diminish.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "undervalue him" functions as a verb phrase with a direct object. It indicates an action performed upon a person, suggesting a failure to recognize or appreciate their worth. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "undervalue him" is a grammatically correct verb phrase used to express that someone's worth or contributions are not being adequately appreciated. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It appears most frequently in news and media contexts, indicating a neutral register. While there are several semantically related alternatives, such as "underestimate him" and "fail to appreciate him", it's crucial to avoid confusing "undervalue" with terms like "undermine", which implies intentional sabotage rather than a simple lack of recognition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

underestimate him

Focuses more on a misjudgment of his abilities or potential.

discount his contributions

Specifically addresses the lack of recognition for his efforts.

fail to appreciate him

Emphasizes a lack of gratitude or understanding of his value.

not recognize his worth

Highlights the absence of acknowledgment of his inherent value.

sell him short

An idiomatic expression meaning to underestimate or not give him the credit he deserves.

underrate his skills

Specifically targets the misjudgment of his abilities and expertise.

misjudge his capabilities

Similar to underestimate but highlights an incorrect assessment of his abilities.

downplay his significance

Refers to minimizing the importance of his role or impact.

overlook his talents

Suggests that his abilities are being missed or ignored.

not give him enough credit

Focuses on the lack of recognition for his accomplishments or qualities.

FAQs

What does it mean to "undervalue him"?

To "undervalue him" means to underestimate his worth, importance, or contributions. It suggests that his true value is not being recognized or appreciated.

What can I say instead of "undervalue him"?

You can use alternatives like "underestimate him", "fail to appreciate him", or "not recognize his worth" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "undervalue him" or "underestimate him"?

Both "undervalue him" and "underestimate him" are valid, but they have slightly different connotations. "Undervalue" suggests a failure to recognize worth, while "underestimate" implies a misjudgment of abilities or potential.

How does "undervalue him" differ from "disrespect him"?

"Undervalue him" suggests a lack of appreciation or recognition, while "disrespect him" implies a more active display of rudeness or contempt. The former is about worth, the latter is about behavior.