underestimate
Americanverb (used with object)
verb (used without object)
noun
verb
-
to make too low an estimate of
he underestimated the cost
-
to think insufficiently highly of
to underestimate a person
noun
Usage
Underestimate is sometimes wrongly used where overestimate is meant: the importance of his work cannot be overestimated (not cannot be underestimated )
Other Word Forms
- underestimation noun
Etymology
Origin of underestimate
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.
Traders should not underestimate what a long weekend could bring.
From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026
When she leaves - 27 years later - she'll act as a mentor for new MSPs after the election and will tell them not to underestimate what can be achieved.
From BBC • Mar. 22, 2026
Never underestimate the passion of Brazil, which helped power “I’m Still Here” to a win here last year.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 11, 2026
Wes Pingree, a breeder who runs SoCalMiniPigs with his wife Sandra, said prospective buyers often underestimate what “mini” means.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 3, 2026
“It’s best not to underestimate the power of the Storyteller’s voice.”
From "When the Sea Turned to Silver" by Grace Lin
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
