underestimate

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   make too low an estimate of

   I underestimated the work that went into the renovation.

2. 2
   verb

   assign too low a value to

   Don't underestimate the value of this heirloom-you may sell it at a good price

3. 3
   verb

   To estimate too low; to perceive (someone or something) as having a lower value, quantity, worth, etc., than what he/she/it actually has.

   It recalls the business case for Scotland's reopening of the Borders Railway to Tweedbank, that British Rail closed in 1969. The review says the business case for this was at best borderline, but goes on to say that the case greatly underestimated passenger demand and that the railway Scotland built has capped its capacity.

4. 4
   verb

   To perceive or expect (someone or something) to be less significant or difficult than it actually is.

   I totally underestimated the task.

5. 5
   noun

   an estimation that is too low

6. 6
   verb

   make a deliberately low estimate

7. 7
   noun

   An estimate that is too low.

Etymology

From under- + estimate.