underkänns

Underkänns is a Swedish verb form, specifically the present passive of underkänna, meaning to declare something insufficient or not meeting required standards. In practice, something that is underkänns is deemed not acceptable or not up to the criteria, often resulting in rejection or withholding of approval. The term is commonly used in educational contexts to describe examinations, assignments, or courses that do not meet the passing criteria; it can also be applied in professional licensing, product approvals, or regulatory decisions.

Etymology: the word combines the prefix under- with känna, relating to recognizing or acknowledging. In this sense, underkänna means to deem something as not meeting the standard.

Morphology: the infinitive is underkänna; the present active third person singular is underkänner, while the present passive is underkänns (as in "tentan underkänns"). The simple past (active) form is underkände; the past passive is underkändes. The supine is underkänt; the perfect form is har underkänt. The past participle used as an adjective is underkänd, as in "en underkänd tenta" (a failed exam).

Usage: the passive form underkänns is used when the thing being judged is the subject. The agent performing the decision can be expressed with av: "tentan underkänns av examinatorn" or "Skolan har underkänt flera elever i kursen." In everyday language, underkänna can be used more broadly to mean not approved or failing to meet criteria, depending on context.

See also: underkänt (failed), betyg (grade), exam, beslut (decision).