underpowers
Gives inadequate energy
Underpowers means provides with insufficient power or force.
A filmmaker might underpower a scene's emotional climax, leaving audiences unmoved.
In technical contexts, to underpower equipment is to supply less energy than optimal: The generator underpowers the system during peak demand.
The word implies inadequacy relative to what's needed.
Not sufficient for purpose
- deficientHaving too little
- insufficientBelow required quantity
- lackingBeing without something
- weakLacking power or force
feeble · anemic · underwhelming · subpar · underperforming · understrength · shortfall · deficit
Inferior to one's opponent
- outclassedBeaten by superior competition
- overmatchedFacing a superior opponent
- disadvantagedLacking social or economic resources
- inferiorOf lower rank
weaker · dominated · overwhelmed · undersized · outgunned · underdog · mismatch · handicapped
Machine producing motion
- motorEnergy-to-motion converter
- vehicleMeans of transport
- horsepowerRate of mechanical work
- torqueRotational force measurement
acceleration · throttle · output · drivetrain · turbocharged · supercharged · displacement · cylinder
inadequate
Not sufficient for purpose
- deficientHaving too little
- insufficientBelow required quantity
- lackingBeing without something
weak · feeble · anemic · underwhelming · subpar · underperforming · understrength · shortfall · deficit · shortage
outmatched
Inferior to one's opponent
- outclassedBeaten by superior competition
- overmatchedFacing a superior opponent
- disadvantagedLacking social or economic resources
inferior · weaker · dominated · overwhelmed · undersized · outgunned · underdog · mismatch · handicapped · trailing
engine
Machine producing motion
- motorEnergy-to-motion converter
- vehicleMeans of transport
- horsepowerRate of mechanical work
torque · acceleration · throttle · output · drivetrain · turbocharged · supercharged · displacement · cylinder · wattage
underpowersoverpowers
Defeats through greater strength
overloads · oversupplies · supercharges · turbocharges · overdrives