Pronunciation: [lˈə͡ʊbə͡ld] (IPA) 
The word "lowballed" is spelled with a "w" even though it is pronounced like "low-bawled." This is because the "-walled" sound is a spelling convention for words that end in "-all" and have a vowel sound in the middle, like "enthralled" or "installed." The "w" is inserted to separate the two vowel sounds and make the word easier to read. In IPA phonetic transcription, "lowballed" is written as /loʊbɔld/.
Lowballed is a term used to describe a situation where someone offers a price, estimate, or valuation that is significantly lower than what is considered fair, reasonable, or expected. It refers to an intentionally or negligently underestimated value, most commonly in a financial or business context.
In business transactions, lowballing typically occurs during negotiations, especially in competitive markets, where one party deliberately offers an unrealistically low amount to gain an advantage over the other party. This tactic aims to obtain a product or service at a substantially reduced price, ultimately benefiting the buyer or bidder. Lowballing can also be associated with deliberate attempts to devalue someone's assets, such as undervaluing real estate or company shares.
Furthermore, the term lowballed can also apply to the job market. When an employer knowingly proposes a salary that is much lower than the standard industry rate for a particular role, they are said to be lowballing potential employees. This practice is generally seen as unfair towards job seekers, taking advantage of their financial need or lack of market knowledge.
In summary, lowballed refers to the act of deliberately offering an unreasonably low offer, estimate, or valuation. It seeks to secure a more advantageous position for the lowballer while potentially disadvantaging the other party involved in the transaction.
The term "lowball" originated in the world of poker in the mid-20th century. It refers to a deceptive tactic where a player intentionally places a low bet in order to mislead their opponents about the strength of their hand. Over time, the term "lowball" has become more widely used in various contexts to describe the act of deliberately underestimating or undervaluing something or someone. This has led to the formation of the verb "lowballed", which means to intentionally offer an unreasonably low estimate, price, or value.
