underestimate

verb

un·​der·​es·​ti·​mate ˌən-dər-ˈe-stə-ˌmāt How to pronounce underestimate (audio)
underestimated; underestimating; underestimates

transitive verb

1
: to estimate as being less than the actual size, quantity, or number
2
: to place too low a value on : underrate
underestimate noun
underestimation noun

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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Woodward points out that many employees underestimate the value of after-work gatherings, especially during the festive season. Bryan Robinson, Forbes, 2 Nov. 2024 Don’t underestimate the chances of a rout — for either candidate One key question haunts every reputable pollster: whether their models for who will show up to vote could be off. Niall Stanage, The Hill, 2 Nov. 2024 Polls underestimated Trump's actual support in both the 2016 and 2020 races. Marco Rubio, Newsweek, 1 Nov. 2024 Pumps Don’t underestimate the power of a shearling heel. Cortne Bonilla, Vogue, 1 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for underestimate 

Word History

First Known Use

1792, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of underestimate was in 1792

Dictionary Entries Near underestimate

Cite this Entry

“Underestimate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underestimate. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

underestimate

verb
un·​der·​es·​ti·​mate ˌən-də-ˈres-tə-ˌmāt How to pronounce underestimate (audio)
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
underestimate noun
underestimation noun

More from Merriam-Webster on underestimate

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