underhand
underhand Lexical Profile
underhand Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Acting or done in a secret, dishonest, or deceitful way.
"The firm was accused of using underhand tactics to win the government contract."
Executed with the arm or hand moving forward and upward from below the level of the shoulder, or gripped with the palm facing upward (in sports).
"In softball, the pitcher is required to use an underhand delivery."
• adverb
With the arm or hand moving forward and upward from below shoulder level.
"He tossed the keys underhand across the kitchen table to his brother."
In a secret, dishonest, or deceitful manner.
"The negotiators were suspected of dealing underhand with rival bidders."
Word Nuance & Usage
In American English, 'underhand' is used primarily in sports (such as pitching or serving), while 'underhanded' is preferred for the figurative sense of 'deceitful'; in British English, 'underhand' is commonly used for both senses.
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Formed in the mid-16th century from 'under-' and 'hand', originally meaning 'in secret' or 'covertly' by allusion to concealing an action beneath one's hand.