noun

understatement

uhn-duh-STAYT-muhnt

noun

A statement that presents something as smaller, milder, or less significant than it really is, sometimes for ironic effect.

"Saying the hurricane caused "some damage" was quite an understatement."

"Calling him talented is an understatement — he's a genius."

How to Use Understatement

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishDescribing something as less impressive or serious than it actually is.

Common mistake

Often used sarcastically, as in "that's an understatement," to emphasize that something is actually much bigger or worse.

Easily confused with

overstatement

understatements plural

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Can you complete this real example?

Saying the hurricane caused "some damage" was quite an _____.

From under- plus statement, or alternatively from understate plus -ment.

cement element clement pavement tenement amusement statement agreement excrement amazement atonement implement