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
Ensure Data Accuracy And Consistency This one’s a hard lesson, as the importance of clean data can be underestimated.
—
Laurent Charpentier, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024
In theory, that might sound like the better option, but RSV should not be underestimated.
—Katie Camero, SELF, 22 Nov. 2024
Bates knows that feeling of being underestimated — for her looks, for her talent — all too well.
—Max Gao, Los Angeles Times, 22 Nov. 2024
Spencer falls into this trap, miscasting Israel’s temporary tactical achievements as strategic victory and underestimating how Israel’s unwillingness to pursue a political resolution that recognizes the Palestinians’ right to self-determination will in the end diminish its chances of success.
—John Spencer, Foreign Affairs, 18 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for underestimate 
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Laurent Charpentier, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024
In theory, that might sound like the better option, but RSV should not be underestimated.
—Katie Camero, SELF, 22 Nov. 2024
Bates knows that feeling of being underestimated — for her looks, for her talent — all too well.
—Max Gao, Los Angeles Times, 22 Nov. 2024
Spencer falls into this trap, miscasting Israel’s temporary tactical achievements as strategic victory and underestimating how Israel’s unwillingness to pursue a political resolution that recognizes the Palestinians’ right to self-determination will in the end diminish its chances of success.
—John Spencer, Foreign Affairs, 18 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for underestimate
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Dictionary Entries Near underestimate
Cite this Entry
“Underestimate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underestimate. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.
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
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