underestimate

[ verb uhn-der-es-tuh-meyt; noun uhn-der-es-tuh-mit, -meyt ]

verb (used with object)

, un·der·es·ti·mat·ed, un·der·es·ti·mat·ing.

1. to estimate at too low a value, rate, or the like.

   Synonyms: miscalculate, misjudge, underrate, undervalue

verb (used without object)

, un·der·es·ti·mat·ed, un·der·es·ti·mat·ing.

1. to make an estimate lower than that which would be correct.

noun

1. an estimate that is too low.

underestimate

/ ˌʌndərˈɛstɪˌmeɪt /

verb

1. to make too low an estimate of

   he underestimated the cost

2. to think insufficiently highly of

   to underestimate a person

noun

1. too low an estimate

Usage

Underestimate is sometimes wrongly used where overestimate is meant: the importance of his work cannot be overestimated (not cannot be underestimated )

Derived Forms

• ˌunderˌestiˈmation, noun

Other Words From

• under·esti·mation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of underestimate¹

First recorded in 1805–15; under- + estimate

Example Sentences

Never underestimate boomers’ allegiance to nostalgia you can sing along with.

From Los Angeles Times

“We all desperately need friends and underestimate how important friends are,” says Elliot.

From Los Angeles Times

But the British ambassador in the US under Trump's previous administration, Lord Darroch, has warned the UK should not underestimate the risks.

From BBC

At the national level, they certainly appeared to underestimate Trump for the third election in a row.

From BBC

Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups, George Carlin warned us.

From Salon

Related Words

• belittle
• miscalculate
• underrate
• undervalue