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
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.
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
Shankar notes that these patients who fall from standing carry significantly higher long-term mortality than those with TBI from higher-impact mechanisms, yet the mechanism itself leads clinicians and families alike to underestimate the severity.
—
Adaira Landry, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
Emphasizing the Value of Founder Participation Throughout the course of his studies, Buich has found that founders tend to underestimate the role of marketing in shaping company value.
—Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 28 May 2026
This leads some commentators to underestimate the underlying strength of the market.
—Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 27 May 2026
There hasn’t been much reason to underestimate them since then.
—Jesse Granger, New York Times, 27 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for underestimate
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Adaira Landry, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
Emphasizing the Value of Founder Participation Throughout the course of his studies, Buich has found that founders tend to underestimate the role of marketing in shaping company value.
—Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 28 May 2026
This leads some commentators to underestimate the underlying strength of the market.
—Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 27 May 2026
There hasn’t been much reason to underestimate them since then.
—Jesse Granger, New York Times, 27 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for underestimate
Cite this Entry
“Underestimate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underestimate. Accessed 30 May. 2026.
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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