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

Unassuming in her affect and understated in her dress, with a shaggy blond bob, Marta greets me warmly and leads me from the basement parking area through an indoor landscape of light. — Gaby Wood, Vogue, 17 Aug. 2026

That's economic obsolescence rather than physical failure, and depreciation schedules built on physical failure will understate it. — Jason Kirsch, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026

The latest iteration opened in summer 2025, and true to Casetta’s signature style, the vibe is understated yet curated. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Aug. 2026

Fall 2026 is shaping up to be a major season for statement footwear, but one of the most polished trends, the high-vamp pump, is surprisingly understated. — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 13 Aug. 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