underestimate
underestimate Lexical Profile
underestimate Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To regard someone or something as less capable, important, or serious than they actually are.
"Do not underestimate her determination to complete the research project ahead of schedule."
To estimate something to be smaller, cheaper, or less numerous than it really is.
"The organizers underestimated the number of attendees and quickly ran out of seating in the auditorium."
• noun
An estimate, calculation, or judgment that is lower or less significant than the actual amount, value, or extent.
"The initial budget proved to be a serious underestimate once the unexpected construction delays were factored in."
Word Nuance & Usage
As a heteronym, 'underestimate' is pronounced with a long 'a' sound (/eɪt/) at the end when used as a verb, and with an unstressed schwa (/ət/) when used as a noun.
• Rhymes for underestimate
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Formed in the early 19th century from the Old English prefix 'under-' and 'estimate', which derives from the Latin 'aestimatus', the past participle of 'aestimare' (to value or appraise).