understatement

noun

un·​der·​state·​ment ˌən-dər-ˈstāt-mənt 

plural understatements

1

: a statement that represents something as smaller or less intense, or less important than it really is : a statement that understates something

To say that I was surprised by this outcome would be an understatement. I was completely blindsided ….

—Russ Becker

It is an understatement to say that the Internet has made life far more convenient for staggeringly many people.

—Cass R. Sunstein

also : the act of understating something or the practice of making such statements

understatement of population growth

To say Britain isn't good at coping with snow would be to exercise British understatement.

—Catherine Mayer

We have been taught to value terseness and understatement …

—Irving Howe

2

: the avoidance of obvious emphasis or embellishment : an understated condition, appearance, etc.

Sure, glamour is still the operative word regarding fashion, but where flamboyance once ruled, there is now understatement and classic elegance.

—Premiere

He capitalizes on his reputation for understatement by saving huge sonorities for significant occasions; as a result, his rare musical outbursts seem not so much theatrical as visceral, as if they were blows sustained in real time.

—Alex Ross

Examples of understatement in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Calling Paris romantic is an understatement—the city has inspired poets and artists, who still pilgrimage here today in search of inspiration that can be found in nearly every turn, in every arrondissement. —Lane Nieset, Travel + Leisure, 26 July 2025

To say the gloves have come off since Colbert’s cancellation announcement last week would be a gross understatement. —Rance Collins, IndieWire, 26 July 2025

To say there is a lack of sympathy for Planned Parenthood is an understatement. —Charles Tiefer, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025

But any notion of understatement is dispelled the moment another watch connoisseur hears the crisp tones of the minute repeater chiming the time. —Thor Svaboe, Robb Report, 14 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1799, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing understatement

• the understatement of the year

Rhymes for understatement

• abatement
• affreightment
• misstatement
• restatement
• overstatement
• reinstatement
• statement