1. a person who makes a bid that is lower than the winning bid at an auction

Examples

• The underbidder was disappointed when the painting sold for just fifty dollars more than his offer.
• As the underbidder, she had the option to purchase the item if the winning bidder defaulted.
• The auctioneer asked if any underbidder wanted to increase their bid.
• He remained the underbidder throughout the entire auction for the antique furniture.
• The underbidder’s final offer was $5,000 less than the winning bid.
• She felt frustrated being the underbidder on three different lots that evening.