Underwork

To burden someone or something with an excessive workload, often leading to strain, exhaustion, or diminished performance. This can involve assigning too many tasks, demanding excessive hours, or placing unrealistic expectations on a person or system. It can also refer to the act of insufficiently maintaining something, leading to its degradation. Underworking is often a consequence of poor planning, inadequate resources, or a lack of consideration for the capacity of the individual or resource being utilized. The effects can range from physical and mental health issues in humans to system failures in technology or structural damage to materials.

Underwork meaning with examples

• The manager's constant demands and unrealistic deadlines caused the team to underwork themselves, resulting in burnout and a decline in project quality. It was clear the workflow wasn't properly organized, and people were consistently pushed beyond their limits. They were forced to sacrifice personal time and their general quality of life.
• The company's aging IT infrastructure was *underworked* by the increasing demands of the growing business, eventually leading to frequent crashes and data breaches. The lack of investment in upgrades and maintenance caused critical vulnerabilities. The system could no longer cope with the required processing.
• The charity's volunteers were *underworked*, handling a massive influx of donations with inadequate support and resources. The volunteers were extremely stressed and unhappy due to their workload. Proper training and delegation could have greatly alleviated their suffering.
• The construction crew *underworked* the foundations of the bridge, neglecting essential quality control procedures. The shortcut lead to significant structural weaknesses, increasing the risks of serious problems. The foundation did not meet safety standards.
• The student felt *underworked* by the course syllabus, finding the material not challenging enough to stimulate their intellect. This lack of rigorous instruction led to boredom and a feeling that the course did not live up to its potential. The student wasn't stimulated by the work.