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 entrenchment of those supply chains may have been underestimated by proponents of nearshoring and onshoring, while the impacts of higher tariffs may have been overestimated.
—
Kate Nishimura, Footwear News, 7 May 2026
Google-owner Alphabet is poised to get a big boost from its cloud and chip businesses, whose profits some analysts continue to underestimate, according to Mizuho Financial.
—Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 6 May 2026
However, do not underestimate the importance of having the correct gear.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 6 May 2026
His low-key style has led critics to underestimate him.
—Andrew R. Chow, Time, 6 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for underestimate
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Kate Nishimura, Footwear News, 7 May 2026
Google-owner Alphabet is poised to get a big boost from its cloud and chip businesses, whose profits some analysts continue to underestimate, according to Mizuho Financial.
—Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 6 May 2026
However, do not underestimate the importance of having the correct gear.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 6 May 2026
His low-key style has led critics to underestimate him.
—Andrew R. Chow, Time, 6 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 9 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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