underestimate
verb
un·der·es·ti·mate
ˌən-dər-ˈe-stə-ˌmāt 
underestimated; underestimating; underestimates
1
: to estimate as being less than the actual size, quantity, or number
2
: to place too low a value on : underrate
Examples of underestimate in a Sentence
The city underestimated the cost of the new building.
The number of people in the crowd was underestimated by 5,000.
Never underestimate the importance of a good education.
Her talent has always been underestimated.
Recent Examples on the Web
Repurpose Your Resources Never underestimate the power of repurposing the resources around you to generate income.
—
Rachelle Rutherford, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025
Grading the Polls: Despite a pretty accurate year, the pre-election polls once again underestimated support for Trump.
—Annie Karni, New York Times, 17 Jan. 2025
The power of the word ‘no’ is also something that shouldn’t be underestimated.
—Lyric Christian, Essence, 16 Jan. 2025
Some may use fare payment to express dissatisfaction with the system, underestimate their individual impact, or have safety concerns.
—Deborah Wathen Finn, New York Daily News, 15 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for underestimate 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Rachelle Rutherford, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025
Grading the Polls: Despite a pretty accurate year, the pre-election polls once again underestimated support for Trump.
—Annie Karni, New York Times, 17 Jan. 2025
The power of the word ‘no’ is also something that shouldn’t be underestimated.
—Lyric Christian, Essence, 16 Jan. 2025
Some may use fare payment to express dissatisfaction with the system, underestimate their individual impact, or have safety concerns.
—Deborah Wathen Finn, New York Daily News, 15 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for underestimate
Articles Related to underestimate
Dictionary Entries Near underestimate
Cite this Entry
“Underestimate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underestimate. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
underestimate
verb
un·der·es·ti·mate
ˌən-də-ˈres-tə-ˌmāt
1
: to estimate as being less than the actual size, quantity, or number
underestimate the cost of a new building
2
: to place too low a value on : underrate
underestimate an opponent
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share