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
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.
After years of being maligned and underestimated — though never by his managers or his fellow professionals — the accolades were coming in abundance. Oliver Kay, The Athletic, 20 Dec. 2024 Yamazaki Home Adjustable Lid & Pan Organizer $46 Amazon $47 Food52 $47 Yamazaki Don’t underestimate the benefit of grabbing the relevant cookware without having to do some sort of kitchen pot-and-pan Jenga. Alex Ronan, Architectural Digest, 18 Dec. 2024 Many students and families often underestimate the impact of smaller scholarships, believing only large, selective awards matter. Ethan Cloud, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024 Like that one that underestimated a low Bronx highway overpass at full speed, shearing its top off, killing 15 passengers, decapitating at least one. Jonathan Rowe, SPIN, 18 Dec. 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 25 Dec. 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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