underestimate
verb
un·der·es·ti·mate
ˌən-dər-ˈe-stə-ˌmāt 
underestimated; underestimating; underestimates
1
: to estimate as being less than the actual size, quantity, or number
2
: to place too low a value on : underrate
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
But financial experts told USA TODAY people generally overestimate their earnings and underestimate their spending.
—
Rachel Barber, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2025
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Don’t underestimate the benefit of grabbing the relevant cookware without having to do some sort of kitchen pot-and-pan Jenga.
—Alex Ronan, Architectural Digest, 22 Apr. 2025
Classic Black Mascara Never underestimate the power of a good mascara.
—Celeste Polanco, Essence, 17 Apr. 2025
The humble end table can be a secondary thought when updating your home, but don’t underestimate its importance.
—Shea Simmons, Southern Living, 17 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for underestimate
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Rachel Barber, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2025
Yamazaki Home Adjustable Lid & Pan Organizer $46 Amazon
$47
Yamazaki
$47
Yamazaki
Don’t underestimate the benefit of grabbing the relevant cookware without having to do some sort of kitchen pot-and-pan Jenga.
—Alex Ronan, Architectural Digest, 22 Apr. 2025
Classic Black Mascara Never underestimate the power of a good mascara.
—Celeste Polanco, Essence, 17 Apr. 2025
The humble end table can be a secondary thought when updating your home, but don’t underestimate its importance.
—Shea Simmons, Southern Living, 17 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for underestimate
Cite this Entry
“Underestimate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underestimate. Accessed 28 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
underestimate
verb
un·der·es·ti·mate
ˌən-də-ˈres-tə-ˌmāt
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
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