underestimate

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

Definition of underestimate

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

play \ˌən-dər-ˈe-stə-mət\ noun

—

underestimation

play \ˌən-dər-ˌe-stə-ˈmā-shən\ noun

See underestimate defined for English-language learners

See underestimate defined for kids

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 of underestimate from the Web

Don’t underestimate the power of one-on-one conversations based in reason and compassion.

— lauren duca, Teen Vogue, "Read This From a Teleprompter: Donald Trump Is Unfit to Serve," 24 Aug. 2017
To overlook the comprehensive picture of who makes up the extreme right is to seriously underestimate its reach.

— laura smith, The Cut, "The Truth About Women and White Supremacy," 13 Aug. 2017
Being part of a fandom is not something to underestimate.

— brianna wiest, Teen Vogue, "Psychologists Say That Belonging To A Fandom Is Amazing For Your Mental Health," 20 July 2017
Her power to influence and steer both husband and children shouldn’t be underestimated.

— ana veciana-suarez, miamiherald, "A wife can be a valuable asset, Mr. President," 17 July 2017
Martinique is an interesting team and should not be underestimated.

— the si staff, SI.com, "Gold Cup: Martinique, sitting top of Group B, is better than you think," 9 July 2017
Environmental attorneys, in their appeal of the permits filed last week, said state regulators underestimated these greenhouse-gas emissions.

— hal bernton, The Seattle Times, "Meet the Chinese businessman behind the $1.8B plan to make methanol in Washington state," 5 July 2017
The depth of Michigan’s outdoor legacy is not to be underestimated.

— lydia lohrer, Detroit Free Press, "Michigan Outdoor Hall of Fame an idea whose time has come," 1 July 2017
The Philadelphia 76ers’ headliner was Markelle Fultz, but don’t underestimate the scope of their haul.

— adi joseph, For The Win, "NBA Draft 2017: LaVar Ball leads our look at high- and low-key winners and losers," 23 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'underestimate.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of underestimate

1792

underestimate Synonyms

Synonyms

underrate, undervalue, sell short

Antonyms

overestimate, overrate, overvalue

Related Words

de-emphasize, minimize, play down, soft-pedal; belittle, decry, depreciate, disparage; despise, disdain, scorn

Near Antonyms

appreciate, cherish, prize, treasure, value; admire, esteem, regard, respect; adore, idolize, revere, reverence, venerate, worship

UNDERESTIMATE Defined for English Language Learners

underestimate

verb

Definition of underestimate for English Language Learners

: to estimate (something) as being less than the actual size, quantity, or number
: to think of (someone or something) as being lower in ability, influence, or value than that person or thing actually is