What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
miscooking
Example
I miscooked the chicken and it turned out dry and tough. [miscooked: verb]
Example
The chef apologized for miscooking the steak and offered to prepare a new one. [miscooking: gerund or present participle]
undercooking
Example
I undercooked the pasta and it was still hard in the middle. [undercooked: verb]
Example
The health inspector found that the restaurant was undercooking their burgers and ordered them to cook them longer. [undercooking: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Undercooking is more commonly used than miscooking in everyday language. This is because undercooked food can be a health hazard, while miscooked food is usually just unappetizing. However, both words are useful to know for anyone who enjoys cooking.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between miscooking and undercooking?
Both miscooking and undercooking are informal words that are suitable for casual conversation or writing. They are not typically used in formal or academic contexts.