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.
“Home buyers shouldn’t underestimate the kind of firepower they can gain by ‘adjusting’ their mortgages,” he wrote in a Friday note.
From Barron's
In addition, the dietary survey data relied on self-reported intake, which can underestimate sodium consumption, particularly from restaurant and takeaway foods.
From Science Daily
"I just think sight loss is underestimated," said Danni, as the family make considerations for Andy's condition every second of every day.
From BBC
“Exactly. Thank you for understanding. I was so intent on decoding Willa’s mission that I underestimated Fleetwood’s ability to move quickly, and now he’s here, and—” My voice cracks with emotion.
From Literature
Mr. Newman cites a series of studies showing that people dramatically underestimate how productive continued searching will be.
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.
