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
Never underestimate the power of creature comforts on a long flight, advises Vanessa Mead, customer experience manager for Qantas, who flies the Los Angeles to Brisbane route.
—
Kristy Alpert, Travel + Leisure, 25 Feb. 2026
Finally, don’t underestimate the power of movement.
—Emily Cegielski, Flow Space, 25 Feb. 2026
Previous predictions had underestimated present population, net migration, and birthrate decline.
—semafor.com, 23 Feb. 2026
Meanwhile, their risk of serious cardiovascular events can be underestimated if their distinct risk profiles are blurred with men’s.
—Elizabeth Cooney, STAT, 23 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for underestimate
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Kristy Alpert, Travel + Leisure, 25 Feb. 2026
Finally, don’t underestimate the power of movement.
—Emily Cegielski, Flow Space, 25 Feb. 2026
Previous predictions had underestimated present population, net migration, and birthrate decline.
—semafor.com, 23 Feb. 2026
Meanwhile, their risk of serious cardiovascular events can be underestimated if their distinct risk profiles are blurred with men’s.
—Elizabeth Cooney, STAT, 23 Feb. 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 28 Feb. 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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