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
According to a Facebook post from Powell County Search & Rescue, the call was received at 9:28 a.m. after students from Asbury College camped on top of Courthouse Rock in Red River Gorge overnight, underestimating weather conditions.
—
Marina Johnson, The Courier-Journal, 12 June 2024
But policymakers should not underestimate the threat of a terrorist attack inside the United States.
—Graham Allison, Foreign Affairs, 10 June 2024
California has underestimated the epic potential of future flooding, research shows.
—Kevinisha Walker, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2024
Humans also underestimate the extent to which elephants’ social organization drives communication.
—Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 7 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for underestimate 
Marina Johnson, The Courier-Journal, 12 June 2024
But policymakers should not underestimate the threat of a terrorist attack inside the United States.
—Graham Allison, Foreign Affairs, 10 June 2024
California has underestimated the epic potential of future flooding, research shows.
—Kevinisha Walker, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2024
Humans also underestimate the extent to which elephants’ social organization drives communication.
—Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 7 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for underestimate
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'underestimate.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Underestimate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underestimate. Accessed 17 Jun. 2024.
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
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