Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

punch below one's weight

Word Rarity Rare

Frequency: Zipf frequency 3.97 in modern English

Syllables: punch -be-low one's weight
IPA

39

Scrabble Score

20

Letters

3

Syllables

14

Unique Chars

Meaning

verb

To achieve or perform at a level lower than should be expected based on one's preparation, attributes, rank, or past accomplishments.

Example Sentences

"But the overall effect is flimsy and insubstantial, a gifted writer punching well below his weight."
"Under the military-backed governments of the past decade Thailand is widely viewed as having punched below its weight in international affairs, with Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha taking little interest in foreign policy."

Etymology

An allusion to the sport of boxing, where contenders fight in various weight classes.

Inflected Forms

punches below one's weight (present, singular) punching below one's weight (participle, present) punched below one's weight (participle, past) punched below one's weight (past) hit below one's weight (alternative)

Synonyms

underachieve

Antonyms

overachieve punch above one's weight

Questions

What does punch below one's weight mean?: To achieve or perform at a level lower than should be expected based on one's preparation, attributes, rank, or past accomplishments.
Where does punch below one's weight come from?: An allusion to the sport of boxing, where contenders fight in various weight classes.

How to pronounce punch below one's weight

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