understate

verb

un·​der·​state ˌən-dər-ˈstāt 

understated; understating; understates

transitive verb

1

: to represent as less than is the case

understate taxable income

2

: to state or present with restraint especially for effect

Examples of understate in a Sentence

He understated his taxable income.

She's trying to understate the issue.

Recent Examples on the Web

One imagines someone who wants to feel—and appear—contemporary and stylish; the other imagines someone who wants to seem effortless and understated. — Madelyn Johnson, Literary Hub, 24 July 2026

Rodríguez has rejected suggestions that authorities understated the disaster, saying the government releases only casualty figures that have been fully verified and would not speculate about the final toll. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 23 July 2026

The earthy color palette grounds the design in something surprisingly neutral, though guests won’t confuse your aesthetic as understated. — Nora Taylor, Architectural Digest, 23 July 2026

There are reasons to believe this understates the problem, though. — Andrew E. Busch, The Conversation, 23 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1824, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for understate

• abdicate
• abrogate
• acetate
• activate
• actuate
• aggravate
• agitate
• alginate
• alienate
• allocate
• amputate
• angulate

Kids Definition

understate

verb

un·​der·​state ˌən-dər-ˈstāt 

1

: to represent as less than is the case

understate taxable income

2

: to state mildly especially on purpose

understatement

-mənt 

noun