underexpose

verb

un·​der·​ex·​pose ˌən-dər-ik-ˈspōz How to pronounce underexpose (audio)
underexposed; underexposing; underexposes

transitive verb

: to expose insufficiently
especially : to expose (something, such as film) to insufficient radiation (such as light)
underexposure
ˌən-dər-ik-ˈspō-zhər How to pronounce underexpose (audio)
noun

Examples of underexpose in a Sentence

The film was underexposed and the pictures came out too dark.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Often, if too much bright sky gets into the scene, the camera’s meter will try to prevent it from blowing out and will then underexpose the subject’s face. — Popular Science, 27 May 2020 Bright, reflective snow can trick your light meter, causing auto exposure to underexpose and create gray snow. — Washington Post, 11 Nov. 2021 Modern sensors, particularly those with ISO invariance, where underexposing at base ISO and pushing shadows in post matches high-ISO in-camera results with lower noise, have revolutionized exposure flexibility for deep-sky imaging. — James Abbott, Space.com, 25 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1861, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of underexpose was in 1861

Rhymes for underexpose

See All Rhymes for underexpose

Browse Nearby Words

underexploited
underexpose
underexposure
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Underexpose.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underexpose. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

underexpose

verb
un·​der·​ex·​pose ˌən-də-rik-ˈspōz How to pronounce underexpose (audio)
: to expose for less time than is needed
the film was underexposed
underexposure
-ˈspō-zhər How to pronounce underexpose (audio)
noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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