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

With the Dolphins in search of a new identity under Sullivan and coach Jeff Hafley, the importance of the trenches cannot be understated. —Miami Herald, 28 Jan. 2026

The state's comptroller, Thomas DiNapoli, said budget gaps were previously understated. —Alexa Herrera, CBS News, 28 Jan. 2026

All three main actors deliver performances that are understated, but sneak up on you with their complexity. —Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 28 Jan. 2026

The same metric that inflates benefits in some regulatory contexts, understates them in others. —James Broughel, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1824, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for understate

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

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