underdressed
/'ʌndə'drest/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adjective: * Inadequately or too informally clothed: Describes a person whose clothing is not formal, elegant, or substantial enough for a particular occasion, setting, or weather condition, often making them feel out of place or improperly attired.
Usage
The adjective underdressed is used to describe a person's state of attire. It is subjective and depends on the context (e.g., the formality of an event, the weather, or social expectations). It often carries a connotation of being underprepared or inappropriately casual. * It is commonly used with the verb to be (e.g., I am underdressed, she felt underdressed). * It can be used in comparative forms: underdressed, more underdressed, the most underdressed.
Examples
Advanced Usage
- "to be underdressed for the occasion": A common phrase emphasizing the mismatch between one's clothing and the specific event.
- She realized she was underdressed for the occasion when she saw the black-tie invitation.
Variants and Related Words
- Underdress (verb): To dress in clothes that are too informal.
- He tends to underdress for important meetings.
- Overdressed (adjective): The opposite state; dressed too formally.
- Casual (adjective): Denoting simple, informal clothing, which may or may not be considered underdressed depending on context.
Synonyms
- Informally dressed
- Inappropriately attired
- Casually clad
Antonyms
- Overdressed
- Formally attired
- Well-dressed (for the occasion)
Related Phrases
- Underdressed and overawed: An idiomatic expression describing someone who feels intimidated partly because their clothing is less impressive than others'.
- At the gala, feeling underdressed and overawed, he stayed close to the wall.
Adjective
- inadequately or too informally clothed