underact

verb

un·​der·​act ˌən-dər-ˈakt How to pronounce underact (audio)
underacted; underacting; underacts

transitive verb

: to perform (a dramatic part) with restraint for effect : underplay

intransitive verb

: to perform feebly or with restraint

Examples of underact in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Yet, in one respect, the market may actually be underacting. WSJ, 7 June 2019

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1623, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of underact was circa 1623

Dictionary Entries Near underact

Cite this Entry

“Underact.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underact. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.

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