underestimated

verb

past tense of underestimate
as in minimized
to place too low a value on we had underestimated her ability to raise the start-up money for her own design firm

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of underestimated Columbus, like many before him, underestimated the size of the Earth. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 July 2026 The operational cost of scaling it is frequently underestimated. — Prajkta Waditwar, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026 Her lawyers argue that the judge wrongly assessed the effect of the posts, underestimated the seriousness of the meanings conveyed and erred in accepting Wilson’s substantial-truth defense. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 24 July 2026 Valerian both underestimated the enemy and overestimated Roman military strength. — Robin Wright, New Yorker, 17 July 2026 The most powerful solar storms to strike Earth may pack a bigger punch than scientists realized, according to a new study that suggests the impacts of extreme space weather have been underestimated. — Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 17 July 2026 David Wiseman, a leading light in the Invictus movement and former serviceman, tells PEOPLE that Harry’s importance to the games cannot be underestimated. — Simon Perry, PEOPLE, 14 July 2026 But researchers such as McClure argue that the effects of public exposure are understudied and underestimated. — Stephanie Pappas, Scientific American, 10 July 2026 The imbalance between students and the companies competing for their attention should not be underestimated. — Paul Jester, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 July 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for underestimated
  1. minimized
  2. undervalued
  3. underrated
Verb
  • Why This Matters For Your Family’s Legacy The peace of mind that comes from knowing your assets are optimally allocated, your tax burden minimized, and your family’s goals prioritized is invaluable.
    — David Rae, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
  • The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is proposing to eliminate a foundational safety principle that has for 50 years minimized the radiation people in the United States are exposed to and that has been adopted around the world.
    — Jennifer McDermott, Los Angeles Times, 26 July 2026
Definition of minimized
Verb
  • In her experience, disengagement is usually the result of people feeling unheard, undervalued or disconnected from the purpose behind their work.
    — Barnaby Lashbrooke, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
  • Fundamentals Adobe screens as significantly undervalued relative to its profitability and earnings profile.
    — Tony Zhang, CNBC, 29 July 2026
Definition of undervalued
Verb
  • The defensive line was underrated even before the return of Cam Jordan for one last hurrah.
    — Vic Tafur, New York Times, 17 July 2026
  • Research consistently shows that Black women’s pain is underrated, their concerns dismissed, and their symptoms attributed to non-clinical causes.
    — Ashoka, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026
Definition of underrated

Browse Nearby Words

underestimate
underestimated
underestimates
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Cite this Entry

“Underestimated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underestimated. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on underestimated

Nglish: Translation of underestimated for Spanish Speakers

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