What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
underdone
Example
The chicken was underdone and still pink in the middle. [underdone: adjective]
Example
I prefer my steak underdone, with a warm red center. [underdone: adjective]
Example
The cookies were underdone and still gooey in the middle. [underdone: adjective]
rare
Example
I ordered my steak rare, with a cool red center. [rare: adjective]
Example
This type of flower is quite rare and only grows in certain regions. [rare: adjective]
Example
It's rare for me to have free time on the weekends. [rare: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Rare is less common than underdone and is typically used in specific contexts, such as describing the cooking of meat. Underdone is more versatile and can be used to describe a wider range of foods.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between underdone and rare?
Both underdone and rare are informal words and are appropriate for use in casual conversation. However, rare can also be used in more formal contexts when describing the cooking of meat in a restaurant or other professional setting.