underestimate

[verb uhn-der-es-tuh-meyt; noun uhn-der-es-tuh-mit, -meyt]

See more synonyms for underestimate on Thesaurus.com

verb (used with object), un·der·es·ti·mat·ed, un·der·es·ti·mat·ing.

to estimate at too low a value, rate, or the like.

verb (used without object), un·der·es·ti·mat·ed, un·der·es·ti·mat·ing.

to make an estimate lower than that which would be correct.

noun

an estimate that is too low.

Origin of underestimate

First recorded in 1805–15; under- + estimate

Related formsun·der·es·ti·ma·tion, noun

Synonyms for underestimate

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1. undervalue, underrate, misjudge, miscalculate.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Related Words for underestimate

belittle, undervalue, underrate, miscalculate, deprecate, slight, disesteem, miscarry, disparage, depreciate

Examples from the Web for underestimate

Contemporary Examples of underestimate

Democrats would be mistaken to underestimate Mike Huckabee, perhaps the strongest Republican presidential contender.
Why This Liberal Hearts Huckabee
Sally Kohn
January 6, 2015
She really becomes the image of someone you might underestimate or take for granted.
How the Circus Got a Social Conscience
Justin Jones
November 7, 2014
I think people also underestimate how much we really do write it all in six days.
How Aidy Bryant Stealthily Became Your Favorite ‘Saturday Night Live’ Star
Kevin Fallon
October 31, 2014
Do not underestimate Governor Perry, because he has a record to run on that sings a real song of hope, change, and job creation.
Who Does the GOP Really Have To Run Against Hillary in 2016?
Myra Adams
January 14, 2014
It would be a serious error, that smile is saying, to underestimate a fearsome adversary with his best days ahead of him.
The Mystery of Mikhail Khodorkovsky
Bernard-Henri Lévy
January 2, 2014

Historical Examples of underestimate

It would be for most people, but I think you underestimate your cheek, as you call it.
In the Midst of Alarms
Robert Barr
You underestimate your favors, if you fancy they are easily forgotten!
The Strollers
Frederic S. Isham
Oh, not that I underestimate the home women or the sheltered women.
The Gorgeous Girl
Nalbro Bartley
It is obvious that at about that time everybody was inclined to underestimate his chances.
Lord Jim
Joseph Conrad
Bidwell did not underestimate his importance in this rush of gold-frenzied men.
They of the High Trails
Hamlin Garland

British Dictionary definitions for underestimate

underestimate

verb (tr)

to make too low an estimate ofhe underestimated the cost
to think insufficiently highly ofto underestimate a person

noun (ˌʌndərˈɛstɪmɪt)

too low an estimate

Derived Formsunderestimation, noun

usage

Underestimate is sometimes wrongly used where overestimate is meant: the importance of his work cannot be overestimated (not cannot be underestimated)

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for underestimate

1812, "to estimate at too low an amount," from under + estimate (v.). Meaning "to rank too low, undervalue" is recorded from 1850. Related: Underestimated; underestimating.