underwork
underwork Lexical Profile
underwork Game Scores & Validity
• noun
Insufficient or inadequate work, effort, or employment, especially in contrast to overwork.
"The trainees complained of boredom and underwork during their first month at the firm."
Subordinate, minor, or foundational work performed in support of a larger structure or undertaking.
"Much of the preliminary underwork for the dictionary was completed by a team of research assistants."
• verb
To require or cause someone or something to work less than is normal, necessary, or expected.
"The manager was careful not to overpay or underwork the seasonal staff."
To expend less effort or labor than is required or appropriate.
"If you consistently underwork during training, you will struggle to complete the marathon."
To knead, mix, or process a material such as dough or clay insufficiently.
"Be careful not to underwork the bread dough, or the gluten network will fail to develop properly."
• Rhymes for underwork
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Recorded in Old English as underwyrcan, the word is formed from the prefix under- and work, and was later reinforced by parallel formations in Middle English contrasting with overwork.