underestimate

verb

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

transitive verb

1
: to estimate as being less than the actual size, quantity, or number
underestimated the cost
2
: to think of as being lower in ability, influence, or value than is accurate : underrate
Her talent has always been underestimated.
underestimate
ˌən-dər-ˈe-stə-mət How to pronounce underestimate (audio)
noun
underestimation
ˌən-dər-ˌe-stə-ˈmā-shən How to pronounce underestimate (audio)
noun

Synonyms of underestimate

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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.
No one should underestimate the mortal significance of medical discreetness; researchers are well aware that many patients risk their own health due to the stigma associated with requiring medical help. — New Atlas, 30 Aug. 2026 Many founders underestimate their business's true potential, especially stable, profitable ones. — Lien De Pau, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026 Analysts suggest that the market may be underestimating the impact of the Middle East situation on inflation. — CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026 Jessica Rouser, director of scholarships and financial aid at the University of Detroit Mercy, said books are one of the expenses families most often underestimate. — Adrienne Roberts, Freep.com, 28 Aug. 2026 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

Rhymes for underestimate

See All Rhymes for underestimate

Browse Nearby Words

underemployment
underestimate
under examination
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Underestimate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underestimate. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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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
-mət How to pronounce underestimate (audio)
noun
underestimation
-ˌres-tə-ˈmā-shən How to pronounce underestimate (audio)
noun
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