underestimate

The word “underestimate” means to judge something to be smaller, less important, or less difficult than it actually is. In plain terms, to think something is smaller, weaker, or easier than it really is.

“Underestimate” is pronounced uhnd-EHS-tih-mayt (/ʌndɚˈɛs.tɪ.meɪt/ in IPA).

Here is “underestimate” used in a sentence: “Don't underestimate how much time this project will take.”

Words with a similar meaning to “underestimate” include misunderestimate, sell short, underapproximate, underguess, underrate and underjudge.

The opposite of “underestimate” — its antonyms — is overestimate.

Depending on how it is used, “underestimate” can be a verb and a noun.

“Underestimate” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

“Underestimate” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to judge something to be smaller, less important, or less difficult than it actually is.

"Underestimate" means to judge something to be smaller, less important, or less difficult than it actually is, often about scale, difficulty, or ability. "Undervalue" focuses more specifically on worth, especially financial or personal value, rather than difficulty or magnitude.

Both words describe judging something as less significant or capable than it truly is, and they are largely interchangeable, though "underrate" leans slightly more toward judging quality or ability, while "underestimate" is also commonly used for quantities and difficulty.

Yes, as a noun, "underestimate" refers to an estimate that turns out to be too low, distinct from its more common use as a verb meaning to judge something as smaller or less significant than it actually is.