understate
verb (used with object)
to state or represent less strongly or strikingly than the facts would bear out; set forth in restrained, moderate, or weak terms.
understating
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present participleof understate.present participle
A verb form that is used in progressive verb constructions and may also function as a modifier or a gerund.
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.
To say the inevitable occurs is understating the case.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 21, 2026
SoFi Technologies shares rose 1.4% to $17.61 after short-seller Muddy Waters accused the company of understating debt.
From Barron's ● Mar. 18, 2026
U.S. accounting rules for intangible assets have been subject to criticism for potentially understating their true value or sometimes excluding some internally developed assets entirely.
From MarketWatch ● Mar. 18, 2026
He also found the force in its advice had overstated the threat posed by the Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters, while understating the risks posed to the Israeli fans.
From BBC ● Jan. 16, 2026
In a tone that suggested she was understating things greatly, she told Dill that he’d be able to buy a few textbooks with the royalties.
From "The Serpent King" by Jeff Zentner
