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
Some also believe markets may still be underestimating the potential scale and duration of the crisis, even after the recent price spikes.
—
Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 12 Mar. 2026
Previously, when a circular orbit had been considered for the progenitor objects beyond this merger, researchers had underestimated the mass of the black hole as being around 9 times the mass of the sun, and the neutron star having a mass of around 2 solar masses.
—Robert Lea, Space.com, 11 Mar. 2026
Trust your gut and don’t underestimate your superpowers.
—Perrie Samotin, Glamour, 11 Mar. 2026
National park rangers say visitors often underestimate park distances and should plan realistic itineraries with backup options.
—Iona Brannon, Travel + Leisure, 11 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for underestimate
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Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 12 Mar. 2026
Previously, when a circular orbit had been considered for the progenitor objects beyond this merger, researchers had underestimated the mass of the black hole as being around 9 times the mass of the sun, and the neutron star having a mass of around 2 solar masses.
—Robert Lea, Space.com, 11 Mar. 2026
Trust your gut and don’t underestimate your superpowers.
—Perrie Samotin, Glamour, 11 Mar. 2026
National park rangers say visitors often underestimate park distances and should plan realistic itineraries with backup options.
—Iona Brannon, Travel + Leisure, 11 Mar. 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 14 Mar. 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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