underestimate

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

/ verb ˌʌn dərˈɛs təˌmeɪt; noun ˌʌn dərˈɛs tə mɪt, -ˌmeɪt /

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.

Nearby words

undereducate, underemphasis, underemphasize, underemployed, underendowed, underestimate, underexpose, underexposure, underfeed, underfelt, underfired

Origin of underestimate

First recorded in 1805–15; under- + estimate

SYNONYMS FOR underestimate

1 undervalue, underrate, misjudge, miscalculate.

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR underestimate ON THESAURUS.COM

Related forms

un·der·es·ti·ma·tion, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for 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|DAILY BEAST
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|DAILY BEAST
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|DAILY BEAST
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|DAILY BEAST

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|DAILY BEAST
Let no one underestimate his strength, and think that his help is of no consequence.
Woman and Socialism|August Bebel
I do not underestimate the hardships borne by the labor of our time.
Opening Ceremonies of the New York and Brooklyn Bridge, May 24, 1883|William C. Kingsley
But this underestimate of the steepness of the mountain is checked by the deportment of its stones.
Hours of Exercise in the Alps|John Tyndall
The pilot is more likely to underestimate them than otherwise, just as one does in judging distances at sea.
The Red Battle Flyer|Capt. Manfred Freiherr von Richthofen
Jenny knew the difficulties, but neither did she underestimate her own resources.
The Great Miss Driver|Anthony Hope

British Dictionary definitions for underestimate

underestimate

/ (ˌʌndərˈɛstɪˌmeɪt) /

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 Forms

underestimation, 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