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
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.
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
Schulz believes many people underestimate HOA costs.
—
Lew Sichelman, Miami Herald, 30 Apr. 2026
While the digital sizing kit could be interpreted as Circular’s free version, the company’s FAQ page recommends the physical kit for the best accuracy, and indeed, the digital AI underestimated my size by two.
—Andrew Gebhart, PC Magazine, 28 Apr. 2026
And that should not be underestimated.
—Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Apr. 2026
Never underestimate the power of a cute nickname to change hearts and minds.
—Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 27 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for underestimate
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Lew Sichelman, Miami Herald, 30 Apr. 2026
While the digital sizing kit could be interpreted as Circular’s free version, the company’s FAQ page recommends the physical kit for the best accuracy, and indeed, the digital AI underestimated my size by two.
—Andrew Gebhart, PC Magazine, 28 Apr. 2026
And that should not be underestimated.
—Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Apr. 2026
Never underestimate the power of a cute nickname to change hearts and minds.
—Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 27 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for underestimate
Cite this Entry
“Underestimate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underestimate. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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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