underestimate

[ verb uhn-der-es-tuh-meyt; noun uhn-der-es-tuh-mit, -meyt ]
/ verb ˌʌn dərˈɛs təˌmeɪt; noun ˌʌn dərˈɛs tə mɪt, -ˌmeɪt /

verb (used with object), un·der·es·ti·mat·ed, un·der·es·ti·mat·ing.

to estimate at too low a value, rate, or the like.

verb (used without object), un·der·es·ti·mat·ed, un·der·es·ti·mat·ing.

to make an estimate lower than that which would be correct.

noun

an estimate that is too low.

Origin of underestimate

First recorded in 1805–15; under- + estimate

OTHER WORDS FROM underestimate

un·der·es·ti·ma·tion, noun

Example sentences from the Web for underestimate

British Dictionary definitions for underestimate

underestimate
/ (ˌʌndərˈɛstɪˌmeɪt) /

verb (tr)

to make too low an estimate of he underestimated the cost
to think insufficiently highly of to underestimate a person

noun (ˌʌndərˈɛstɪmɪt)

too low an estimate

Derived forms of underestimate

underestimation, noun

usage for underestimate

Underestimate is sometimes wrongly used where overestimate is meant: the importance of his work cannot be overestimated (not cannot be underestimated)