understate
verb (used with object)
to state or represent less strongly or strikingly than the facts would bear out; set forth in restrained, moderate, or weak terms.
Used to describe an action that began in the past, has continued continuously, and is still in progress.
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The announcement follows criticism by international health experts and complaints by citizens that the government has been understating the number of deaths caused by the virus.
From Washington Post ● Jan. 14, 2023