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
The Bad River and environmental groups have filed a state lawsuit seeking to halt the work, arguing regulators have underestimated the damage the reroute construction will cause.
—
CBS News, 22 Apr. 2026
Tim Cook’s critics always underestimated him.
—Jim Edwards, Fortune, 21 Apr. 2026
When Hailey Bieber included the peptide lip treatment among the debut offerings from her cosmetics label Rhode in June 2022, many underestimated not only its popularity but also its efficacy.
—Kiana Murden, Vogue, 21 Apr. 2026
Build height with structures Finally, do not underestimate the power of vertical elements.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Charlotte Observer, 21 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for underestimate
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.
CBS News, 22 Apr. 2026
Tim Cook’s critics always underestimated him.
—Jim Edwards, Fortune, 21 Apr. 2026
When Hailey Bieber included the peptide lip treatment among the debut offerings from her cosmetics label Rhode in June 2022, many underestimated not only its popularity but also its efficacy.
—Kiana Murden, Vogue, 21 Apr. 2026
Build height with structures Finally, do not underestimate the power of vertical elements.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Charlotte Observer, 21 Apr. 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 27 Apr. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
