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
And he’s used to being underestimated.
—
Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 11 June 2026
So while the Panama fans will be as ready to dance, party and showcase their unwavering passion as anyone this summer, do not underestimate them or their team.
—Elias Burke, New York Times, 10 June 2026
The exquisite comfort-food bomb known as a frita Cubana can’t be underestimated at this postage stamp of a grill.
—Phillip Valys, Sun Sentinel, 10 June 2026
Fascism shouldn’t be underestimated, of course.
—Rachel Syme, New Yorker, 10 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for underestimate
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Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 11 June 2026
So while the Panama fans will be as ready to dance, party and showcase their unwavering passion as anyone this summer, do not underestimate them or their team.
—Elias Burke, New York Times, 10 June 2026
The exquisite comfort-food bomb known as a frita Cubana can’t be underestimated at this postage stamp of a grill.
—Phillip Valys, Sun Sentinel, 10 June 2026
Fascism shouldn’t be underestimated, of course.
—Rachel Syme, New Yorker, 10 June 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 15 Jun. 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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