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

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.

underestimate

ˌən-dər-ˈe-stə-mət 

noun

underestimation

ˌən-dər-ˌe-stə-ˈmā-shən 

noun

Synonyms of underestimate

• 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

No rival will ever again make the fatal error of underestimating Bronin. — Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 15 Aug. 2026

But on May 1, 1960, just four years after the U-2’s debut, the Soviet miliary shot down one of the planes, flown by Francis Gary Powers, proving that the US underestimated Soviet capabilities. — Emma Balleste, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026

Although this condition is linked to a wide variety of negative health effects, the public chronically underestimates its seriousness. — Marie Doyle, The Conversation, 14 Aug. 2026

People also underestimate how deep the tunnels go, so surface sprays often miss the queen, Abraham adds. — Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 14 Aug. 2026

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