underemphasize

verb

un·​der·​em·​pha·​size ˌən-dər-ˈem(p)-fə-ˌsīz How to pronounce underemphasize (audio)
underemphasized; underemphasizing; underemphasizes

transitive verb

: to fail to emphasize adequately

Examples of underemphasize in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The charts can also miss or underemphasize trends in music streaming, a challenge that Billboard itself has acknowledged. Julia Malleck, Quartz, 25 June 2022 In fiction, perhaps there can be a tendency to both overemphasize and underemphasize the centrality of this activity to modern life. David Wallace, The New Yorker, 5 July 2021 Clark’s theories underemphasize the importance of other people as the primary embodiment of external representation, rather than our own bodies, machines, or objects in the world. Sam Knight, The New Yorker, 24 Mar. 2018 The Journal reported in December that Strzok meant to convey that Clinton’s probable victory didn’t mean that the FBI should underemphasize an investigation that could uncover evidence of collusion between Trump’s associates and Moscow. Matt Ford, New Republic, 12 Jan. 2018

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'underemphasize.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1955, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of underemphasize was in 1955

Dictionary Entries Near underemphasize

Cite this Entry

“Underemphasize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underemphasize. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on underemphasize

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!