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
The internet’s superstore is really never short on giftables for the holiday season, but don’t underestimate the best rugs on Amazon.
—
Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 7 Nov. 2025
There have been 501 femicides recorded through September of this year, and many advocates say the numbers are likely far underestimated.
—Cassandra Garrison, USA Today, 6 Nov. 2025
Then Percy reunites with his own father, Poseidon (Toby Stephens), who tells him not to underestimate himself.
—Selome Hailu, Variety, 6 Nov. 2025
Schumer has stood firm, and Republicans underestimated how dug in the Democrats were.
—Mike Lillis, The Hill, 5 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for underestimate
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Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 7 Nov. 2025
There have been 501 femicides recorded through September of this year, and many advocates say the numbers are likely far underestimated.
—Cassandra Garrison, USA Today, 6 Nov. 2025
Then Percy reunites with his own father, Poseidon (Toby Stephens), who tells him not to underestimate himself.
—Selome Hailu, Variety, 6 Nov. 2025
Schumer has stood firm, and Republicans underestimated how dug in the Democrats were.
—Mike Lillis, The Hill, 5 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for underestimate
Cite this Entry
“Underestimate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underestimate. Accessed 9 Nov. 2025.
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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