undercutting

Undercutting is a term used in several contexts to describe different, but related, concepts: a recessed feature created by removing material, and a price- or market-based strategy aimed at gaining an advantage over competitors. In engineering and manufacturing, undercuts are recesses or grooves that lie below the level of a surrounding surface, which can complicate processes such as molding, casting, or part removal. Designing around undercuts often requires specialized tooling or methods, such as side actions, sliders, or collapsible cores.

In a business and economic sense, undercutting refers to offering goods or services at prices lower than those of rivals with the intent of capturing market share. This can be a short-term competitive tactic or part of a broader pricing strategy. While undercutting can stimulate demand and increase volume, it can also lead to price wars, reduced profitability, and regulatory scrutiny if used to anti-competitive ends or predatory pricing.

In dentistry, an undercut is a concave or recessed area on a tooth or restoration that resists withdrawal. Such features affect impressions, crowns, and the retention of dental prosthetics, and accurate planning is needed to ensure proper fit and removal without damage.

In hairstyling, undercutting refers to a technique where parts of the hair, typically the sides or back, are cut shorter than the top, creating a contrasting silhouette. This usage, while common in fashion, is stylistic rather than functional in the engineering sense.

See also undercut (disambiguation).