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
In another, a healthcare tool underestimated the risk of heart disease in women because historical data underdiagnosed them in the first place.
—
Joel Bervell, Time, 14 Nov. 2025
But these, too, admittedly provide only a partial picture and almost certainly underestimate the problem.
—Susan Merriam, Miami Herald, 12 Nov. 2025
By virtue of playing characters who are constantly being underestimated and therefore must prove themselves, female leads Fujisaki and Kiyohara have the most dynamic roles and are therefore the most compelling presences.
—Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 12 Nov. 2025
June is the definition of underestimated.
—Kathleen Newman-Bremang, Refinery29, 12 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for underestimate
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Joel Bervell, Time, 14 Nov. 2025
But these, too, admittedly provide only a partial picture and almost certainly underestimate the problem.
—Susan Merriam, Miami Herald, 12 Nov. 2025
By virtue of playing characters who are constantly being underestimated and therefore must prove themselves, female leads Fujisaki and Kiyohara have the most dynamic roles and are therefore the most compelling presences.
—Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 12 Nov. 2025
June is the definition of underestimated.
—Kathleen Newman-Bremang, Refinery29, 12 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for underestimate
Cite this Entry
“Underestimate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underestimate. Accessed 19 Nov. 2025.
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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