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

Middleton paired the mint green dress from British designer Tephi with tortoise shell sunglasses and a cream fold-over clutch, keeping the accessories understated yet polished. — Amanda Le, InStyle, 29 June 2026

As the rescue effort stretched into a fifth day, frustration is growing among survivors and volunteers who accuse authorities of slowing aid deliveries, restricting civilian rescue efforts and understating the true scale of the tragedy. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 29 June 2026

None of this is to understate the real risks of another conflict. — Michael Kugelman, Time, 26 June 2026

Absent Voices and Sounds Spotlighting career highlights, the documentary sometimes understates the importance of people and moments underpinning the decades-long adventure. — Prof. Mike Alleyne Ph.d, Forbes.com, 26 June 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