Undergraduate

As a Noun

1. A student who is pursuing a bachelor’s degree at a college or university but has not yet graduated.

As an Adjective

1. Relating to studies or programs intended for students who have not yet earned a bachelor’s degree.

As Other Form

• Undergrad (Informal Noun): A shortened version of undergraduate.

Word History

The word undergraduate comes from the combination of under- (meaning “before” or “less than”) and graduate (meaning someone who has completed a degree). It has been used in universities since the 17th century to refer to students who have not yet earned a degree.

Examples

1. She is an undergraduate studying biology at Harvard. (Noun – student pursuing a degree)
2. The university offers several undergraduate programs in engineering. (Adjective – related to bachelor’s studies)
3. Many undergraduates apply for internships to gain experience. (Noun – students in bachelor’s programs)

Synonyms

College student, bachelor’s student, university student

Related Words

Graduate, postgrad, freshman, sophomore, junior, senior

Antonyms

Graduate, postgraduate, degree holder