underestimate

verb

un·​der·​es·​ti·​mate ˌən-dər-ˈe-stə-ˌmāt How to pronounce underestimate (audio)
underestimated; underestimating; underestimates
Synonyms of underestimatenext

transitive verb

1
: to estimate as being less than the actual size, quantity, or number
underestimated the cost
2
: to think of as being lower in ability, influence, or value than is accurate : underrate
Her talent has always been underestimated.
underestimate
ˌən-dər-ˈe-stə-mət How to pronounce underestimate (audio)
noun
underestimation
ˌən-dər-ˌe-stə-ˈmā-shən How to pronounce underestimate (audio)
noun

Synonyms of underestimate

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Examples of underestimate in a Sentence

The city underestimated the cost of the new building. The number of people in the crowd was underestimated by 5,000. Never underestimate the importance of a good education. Her talent has always been underestimated.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Management tried to modernize a restaurant brand built around nostalgia, underestimated how strongly customers identified with its image, and eventually reversed the change after a fierce backlash. — Jim Osman, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026 Cheeky Lace Never underestimate a classic black-and-white nail set. — Daisy Maldonado, InStyle, 31 July 2026 The hotel is adjacent to Monterey State Park; don’t underestimate the pull of the historic adobe buildings and gardens. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 July 2026 That could underestimate binge drinking and harm linked to energy drinks, Howland’s team determined. — Ashley Okwuosa, STAT, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for underestimate

Word History

First Known Use

1792, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of underestimate was in 1792

Rhymes for underestimate

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Browse Nearby Words

underemployment
underestimate
under examination
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Underestimate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underestimate. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

underestimate

verb
un·​der·​es·​ti·​mate ˌən-də-ˈres-tə-ˌmāt How to pronounce underestimate (audio)
1
: to estimate as being less than the actual size, quantity, or number
underestimate the cost of a new building
2
: to place too low a value on : underrate
underestimate an opponent
underestimate
-mət How to pronounce underestimate (audio)
noun
underestimation
-ˌres-tə-ˈmā-shən How to pronounce underestimate (audio)
noun

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