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.
The value of Nico Dominguez’s versatility is easy to underestimate, with the Argentinian capable of slotting into numerous midfield roles with craft and reliability. — Paul Taylor, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2026 The technical feat of the operation cannot be underestimated, according to Arnold Dix, a geologist in touch with crews on the ground. — Sana Noor Haq, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2026 There is a line in the film about the unique power of actors on a stage, a talent that can’t be underestimated, and in the casting of this film that is clear. — Pete Hammond, Deadline, 4 Sep. 2026 Past studies have found that Fitbit devices tend to underestimate heart rates, steps, and calories burned. — Mike McRae 03, New Atlas, 3 Sep. 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 7 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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