understeer

noun

un·​der·​steer ˈən-dər-ˌstir How to pronounce understeer (audio)
: the tendency of an automobile to turn less sharply than the driver intends
understeer intransitive verb

Examples of understeer in a Sentence

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.
From the start of the session, Ocon seemed more at ease with the car than Bearman, who reported struggling with understeer. Luke Smith, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2026 On a tight corner the wheels need to turn at different speeds but can’t, so that causes problems like wheelspin or understeer. New Atlas, 24 Feb. 2026 McLaren had earlier tweaked the front wing angles on both cars after initial runs, with Piastri reporting understeer before improving. Alex Harrington, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025 There wasn't much body roll, but your progress will be limited by the grip available to the low rolling-resistance tires—push too hard and the result is plenty of understeer. Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 12 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for understeer

Word History

First Known Use

1936, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of understeer was in 1936

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Cite this Entry

“Understeer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/understeer. Accessed 5 May. 2026.

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