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
Muskiet added that the true blood-pressure-lowering effect of GLP-1s may actually be underestimated in the review.
—
Fran Kritz, Verywell Health, 4 June 2026
Barry emphasized the importance of not underestimating anyone.
—Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 June 2026
Never underestimate the power of a teenage girl.
—Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 4 June 2026
Alexandra Middlewood, a political science professor at Wichita State University, said Kelly’s endorsement of Corson shouldn’t be underestimated, considering 2025 polling that suggests Kelly is still the most popular politician in the state.
—Matthew Kelly
june 4, Kansas City Star, 4 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for underestimate
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Fran Kritz, Verywell Health, 4 June 2026
Barry emphasized the importance of not underestimating anyone.
—Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 June 2026
Never underestimate the power of a teenage girl.
—Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 4 June 2026
Alexandra Middlewood, a political science professor at Wichita State University, said Kelly’s endorsement of Corson shouldn’t be underestimated, considering 2025 polling that suggests Kelly is still the most popular politician in the state.
—Matthew Kelly
june 4, Kansas City Star, 4 June 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 6 Jun. 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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