underestimate
verb (used with object)
to estimate at too low a value, rate, or the like.
underestimated
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past participleof underestimate.past participle
A verb form used in perfect and passive verb constructions and that can also function as a modifier.
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past tense formof underestimate.past tense
Used to describe completed actions or previous habitual actions.
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.
This week she said the Trump administration had "very much underestimated" Canada's importance to Maine's business community.
From Barron's ● Sep. 9, 2026
A young gay man who also felt overlooked and underestimated needed that story like air.
From Salon ● Sep. 9, 2026
She said one student fainted after hearing about the disaster, but many initially underestimated the danger and waited for classmates who were in a maths lesson.
From BBC ● Aug. 30, 2026
But from being underestimated, I remember my dad being like, “You have to get comfortable with ‘no.’
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 13, 2026
He had been too hasty in his preparations, and he had underestimated the force of the rapids.
From "Abel's Island" by William Steig
