underestimate
verb
un·der·es·ti·mate
ˌən-dər-ˈe-stə-ˌmāt 
underestimated; underestimating; underestimates
1
: to estimate as being less than the actual size, quantity, or number
2
: to place too low a value on : underrate
Examples of underestimate in a Sentence
The city underestimated the cost of the new building.
The number of people in the crowd was underestimated by 5,000.
Never underestimate the importance of a good education.
Her talent has always been underestimated.
Recent Examples on the Web
Let this be a lesson to us all, rose lovers: Never underestimate the power of Rice Krispies treats.
—
EW.com, 11 Feb. 2025
Reimagining your influences, being adaptable while playing to your strengths and never underestimating the power of your creations.
—Paul Fitzgerald, Rolling Stone, 7 Feb. 2025
Reality check: Since the study only focused on smartphone use, researchers said, these numbers likely underestimated overall screen use.
—Tina Reed, Axios, 4 Feb. 2025
That was the central shift, and despite its shortcomings, its significance should never be underestimated.
—Scott Spillman, The New Yorker, 29 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for underestimate 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
EW.com, 11 Feb. 2025
Reimagining your influences, being adaptable while playing to your strengths and never underestimating the power of your creations.
—Paul Fitzgerald, Rolling Stone, 7 Feb. 2025
Reality check: Since the study only focused on smartphone use, researchers said, these numbers likely underestimated overall screen use.
—Tina Reed, Axios, 4 Feb. 2025
That was the central shift, and despite its shortcomings, its significance should never be underestimated.
—Scott Spillman, The New Yorker, 29 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for underestimate
Articles Related to underestimate
Dictionary Entries Near underestimate
Cite this Entry
“Underestimate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underestimate. Accessed 16 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
underestimate
verb
un·der·es·ti·mate
ˌən-də-ˈres-tə-ˌmāt
1
: to estimate as being less than the actual size, quantity, or number
underestimate the cost of a new building
2
: to place too low a value on : underrate
underestimate an opponent
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share