underestimate

verb

un·​der·​es·​ti·​mate ˌən-dər-ˈe-stə-ˌmāt How to pronounce underestimate (audio)
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 noun
underestimation noun

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Your notes become both evidence and a reassuring validation that nothing is wrong with you, especially when you are being underestimated. Bryan Robinson, Forbes.com, 18 May 2025 When the margins are so tight in elite-level football, this distance is not to be underestimated. Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 17 May 2025 In a curious way, Wallen’s cultural power is still being underestimated. Amanda Petrusich, New Yorker, 16 May 2025 Finasteride Farah said the 32 reports likely underestimate how many people truly live with PFS. Kaitlin Sullivan, Health, 8 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for underestimate

Word History

First Known Use

1792, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of underestimate was in 1792

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Underestimate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underestimate. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

underestimate

verb
un·​der·​es·​ti·​mate ˌən-də-ˈres-tə-ˌmāt How to pronounce underestimate (audio)
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 noun
underestimation noun

More from Merriam-Webster on underestimate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!