overestimate

[ verb oh-ver-es-tuh-meyt; noun oh-ver-es-tuh-mit ]

verb (used with object)

, o·ver·es·ti·mat·ed, o·ver·es·ti·mat·ing.

1. to estimate at too high a value, amount, rate, or the like:

   Don't overestimate the car's trade-in value.

2. to hold in too great esteem or to expect too much from:

   Don't overestimate him—he's no smarter than you are.

noun

1. an estimate that is too high.

overestimate

verb

1. tr to value or estimate too highly

noun

1. an estimate that is too high

Derived Forms

• ˌoverˌestiˈmation, noun

Other Words From

• over·esti·mation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of overestimate¹

First recorded in 1815–25; over- + estimate

Example Sentences

Opponents of the project have argued the state’s analysis is flawed and underestimates the costs while overestimating the benefits.

From Los Angeles Times

"This is another sign that the chancellor overestimated the market's desire to absorb more sovereign debt issuance from the UK," she said.

From BBC

The groups said that “creates an overestimate of the water available for export” and will result in uncertainty and potentially more litigation.

From Los Angeles Times

Team officials knew he could point to how he became the shortstop in the first place because they overestimated Gavin Lux’s ability to play the position.

From Los Angeles Times

The overall fatality rate across H5N1 outbreaks is estimated to be above 50%, but that may be an overestimate due to many milder infections being missed.

From Salon

Related Words

• amplify
• distort
• emphasize
• fabricate
• falsify
• heighten
• inflate
• magnify
• misrepresent
• overdo
• overdraw
• overemphasize