underestimate
uhnd-EHS-tih-mayt
Underestimate (verb) means to judge something to be smaller, less important, or less difficult than it actually is. Example: “Don't underestimate how much time this project will take.”
verb
1
To judge something to be smaller, less important, or less difficult than it actually is.
"Don't underestimate how much time this project will take."
"They underestimated their opponent and lost the match."
"It is easy to underestimate how tired you will feel after a long journey."
noun
1
An estimate that turns out to be too low.
"The budget was a gross underestimate of the true cost."
"My underestimate of the journey time meant we arrived late for dinner."
"The builder admitted his first quote was a serious underestimate."
How to use underestimate
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo think something is smaller, weaker, or easier than it really is.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with overestimate, its opposite.
Easily confused with
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Word forms
- Plural
- underestimates
- Third person singular
- underestimates
- Past tense
- underestimated
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Don't _____ how much time this project will take.
Etymology
From under- + estimate.
Synonyms
View more →
downplay
discount
lowball
undervalue
underreckoning
underrating
underestimation
misunderestimate
sell short
underapproximate
underguess
underrate
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for underestimate
See all rhymes for underestimate →Frequently asked questions
What does “underestimate” mean?
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.
How do you pronounce “underestimate”?
“Underestimate” is pronounced uhnd-EHS-tih-mayt (/ʌndɚˈɛs.tɪ.meɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “underestimate” in a sentence?
Here is “underestimate” used in a sentence: “Don't underestimate how much time this project will take.”
What is another word for “underestimate”?
Words with a similar meaning to “underestimate” include misunderestimate, sell short, underapproximate, underguess, underrate and underjudge.
What is the opposite of “underestimate”?
The opposite of “underestimate” — its antonyms — is overestimate.
What part of speech is “underestimate”?
Depending on how it is used, “underestimate” can be a verb and a noun.
Is “underestimate” a common word?
“Underestimate” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “underestimate” have?
“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.
What is the difference between "underestimate" and "undervalue"?
"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.
What is the difference between "underestimate" and "underrate" (an existing synonym)?
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.
Can "underestimate" be used as a noun?
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.
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