underestimate
verb (used with object)
to estimate at too low a value, rate, or the like.
had been underestimating
-
past perfect progressiveof underestimate.past perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that was ongoing continuously in the past up until another past event interrupted it.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Even before the variants emerged, there were hints that scientists had been underestimating the virus’s capacity to change.
From Washington Post ● Mar. 7, 2021
In addition, new demographic studies showing the city had been underestimating life expectancies for its retirees prompted city pension officials to significantly increase the projected cost of pensions in 2016.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 3, 2018
Perhaps he had been underestimating his own weight on the committee.
From The Pretty Lady by Arnold Bennett
The spectacle of his flat showed her long ago that previously she had been underestimating his situation in the world.
From The Pretty Lady by Arnold Bennett
