underestimate

verb

un·​der·​es·​ti·​mate ˌən-dər-ˈe-stə-ˌmāt 

underestimated; underestimating; underestimates

transitive verb

1

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

2

: to place too low a value on : underrate

underestimate

ˌən-dər-ˈe-stə-mət 

noun

underestimation

ˌən-dər-ˌe-stə-ˈmā-shən 

noun

Synonyms

• minimize
• underrate
• undervalue

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 logistical difficulty of smuggling datacenter-grade hardware is often underestimated; these GPUs arrive preassembled into racks that can weigh over 3,600 pounds, making physical diversion highly impractical. —Patrick Moorhead, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025

Try this harder alternative first Before turning immediately to medications, don’t underestimate what consistent lifestyle changes can do, not just for your blood sugar but for your whole life. —Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, CNN Money, 14 July 2025

Do not underestimate how important this change will be. —Jim Cramer, CNBC, 13 July 2025

Texas floods killed 43+, with warnings issued hours ahead (CNN), but rainfall underestimated. —Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1792, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for underestimate

• borosilicate
• decontaminate
• deoxycholate
• deteriorate
• differentiate
• diisocyanate
• dinoflagellate
• excommunicate
• incapacitate
• insubordinate
• intercorporate
• interpenetrate

Kids 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

underestimate

-mət 

noun

underestimation

-ˌres-tə-ˈmā-shən 

noun