underestimate

un·der·es·ti·mate

verb \ˌən-dər-ˈes-tə-ˌmāt\

Definition of UNDERESTIMATE

transitive verb

1

: to estimate as being less than the actual size, quantity, or number

2

: to place too low a value on : underrate

— un·der·es·ti·mate \-mət\ noun

— un·der·es·ti·ma·tion \-ˌes-tə-ˈmā-shən\ noun

Examples of UNDERESTIMATE

1. The city underestimated the cost of the new building.
2. The number of people in the crowd was underestimated by 5,000.
3. Never underestimate the importance of a good education.
4. Her talent has always been underestimated.

First Known Use of UNDERESTIMATE

1792

Related to UNDERESTIMATE

Synonyms: underrate, undervalue, sell short

Antonyms: overestimate, overrate, overvalue

Related Words: de-emphasize, minimize, play down, soft-pedal; belittle, decry, depreciate, disparage; despise, disdain, scorn

Near Antonyms: appreciate, cherish, prize, treasure, value; admire, esteem, regard, respect; adore, idolize, revere, reverence, venerate, worship

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Rhymes with UNDERESTIMATE

circumambulate, circumnavigate, contraindicate, decontaminate, deteriorate, differentiate, disambiguate, disassociate, discombobulate, disorientate, disproportionate, excommunicate, expiration date, free-associate, hyperventilate, incapacitate, intermediate, interpenetrate, misappropriate, multivariate, overcompensate, overpopulate, ratiocinate, recapitulate, rehabilitate, renegotiate, superannuate, supersaturate, transubstantiate