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
García also warned that the United States may be underestimating the territorial complexity of the mining zones.
—
Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2026
Environmental and Indigenous groups have sued the Brazilian government and Petrobras to halt exploration, arguing the licensing process failed to properly consult traditional communities, underestimated spill risks and did not adequately assess climate impacts.
—Gabriela Sá Pessoa, Los Angeles Times, 8 Apr. 2026
Place pattern all over Don’t underestimate the power of pattern in creating a jewel box like effect in a small laundry room.
—Lindsey Mather, Architectural Digest, 7 Apr. 2026
Sometimes that’s totally wrong, because people are overestimating their kids or underestimating Joan Mitchell or whomever.
—Andrew Marantz, New Yorker, 5 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for underestimate
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Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2026
Environmental and Indigenous groups have sued the Brazilian government and Petrobras to halt exploration, arguing the licensing process failed to properly consult traditional communities, underestimated spill risks and did not adequately assess climate impacts.
—Gabriela Sá Pessoa, Los Angeles Times, 8 Apr. 2026
Place pattern all over Don’t underestimate the power of pattern in creating a jewel box like effect in a small laundry room.
—Lindsey Mather, Architectural Digest, 7 Apr. 2026
Sometimes that’s totally wrong, because people are overestimating their kids or underestimating Joan Mitchell or whomever.
—Andrew Marantz, New Yorker, 5 Apr. 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 Apr. 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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