understatement

[ uhn-der-steyt-muhnt, uhn-der-steyt- ]

noun

1. the act or an instance of understating, or representing in a weak or restrained way that is not borne out by the facts:

   The journalist wrote that the earthquake had caused some damage. This turned out to be a massive understatement of the devastation.

understatement

1. A form of irony in which something is intentionally represented as less than it is: “Hank Aaron was a pretty good ball player.”

Word History and Origins

Origin of understatement¹

under- + statement

Example Sentences

Kudos to Gaga for keeping her cards close to her chest with the understatement of the century.

From Salon

Of course, any good theme park needs some good rides - but maybe it's an understatement to say that's a tall order.

From BBC

“I think it would be the understatement of the decade if we said that we have concerns about the expediency of federal support, not only here in California, but across the country,” Carvalho said.

From Los Angeles Times

British understatement, as we await quite the statement from America later.

From BBC

“To say there has been a dramatic change would be an understatement,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times