underestimate
verb (used with object)
to estimate at too low a value, rate, or the like.
had underestimated
-
past perfectof underestimate.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
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.
He says the Tatas had "underestimated the problems they inherited with the legacy carrier", and Wilson was unable to build a team quickly enough after coming in to set things in order.
From BBC ● May 12, 2026
In an earlier exception to the rule, the National Football League last year said the firm had underestimated its games’ audiences by millions of viewers.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 14, 2026
In February, an internal Israeli military investigation into Hamas's attack acknowledged the armed forces' "complete failure" to prevent the assault, saying that for years it had underestimated the group's capabilities.
From Barron's ● Nov. 10, 2025
In New York City, low annual estimates from the 2010s shaped the city’s politics and sense of self, before the 2020 Census revealed that they had underestimated the population by 550,000 people!
From Slate ● May 16, 2025
Dimple had underestimated Mamma—maybe she really did pay attention.
From "When Dimple Met Rishi" by Sandhya Menon
