What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
undergarment
Example
She wore a silk undergarment beneath her dress. [undergarment: noun]
Example
He removed his undergarments before getting into bed. [undergarments: plural noun]
underwear
Example
She bought a new set of underwear at the store. [underwear: noun]
Example
He forgot to pack clean underwear for his trip. [underwear: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Underwear is more commonly used than undergarment in everyday language. Underwear is a more specific term that covers a narrower range of clothing items, while undergarment is a more formal term that covers a wider variety of clothing items.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between undergarment and underwear?
Undergarment is a more formal term that is typically used in more professional or academic contexts. Underwear, on the other hand, is a more casual term that is commonly used in everyday conversation.