underestimate

B2 Topic:Actions & Processes

US /ʌndɚˈɛs.tɪ.meɪt/ See IPA manual

Freq #7518

Meanings

1

verb
To think that something is smaller, easier, or less important than it really is.

I totally underestimated how hard the task would be.
2

verb
To think that someone is less capable than they really are.

Never underestimate your opponent.
3

noun
An estimate or guess that is too low.

The early budget proved to be a serious underestimate.

Verb forms

Verb forms are not available for this word yet.

Thesaurus

Synonyms

1 verb · to think that something is... underrate misjudge

2 verb · to think that someone is... sell short

3 noun · an estimate or guess that... underestimation

More misunderestimateunderapproximateunderguessunderjudgeunderreckon understate

Opposites

overestimate

Word family

Forms underestimatedunderestimatesunderestimating

Derived forms misunderestimate

Appears in

Proverbs (1)

See all

Never underestimate the power of a woman

Etymology

From under- + estimate.

Topics

Actions & Processes

External links

# underestimate

**Type:** Word
**Level:** B2
**Part of speech:** verb, noun
**IPA (US):** /ʌndɚˈɛs.tɪ.meɪt/
**Frequency rank:** 7518

## Meanings
1. To think that something is smaller, easier, or less important than it really is.
2. To think that someone is less capable than they really are.
3. An estimate or guess that is too low.

## Examples
- I totally underestimated how hard the task would be.
- Never underestimate your opponent.
- The early budget proved to be a serious underestimate.

## Synonyms
- misunderestimate
- underapproximate
- underguess
- underjudge
- underrate
- underreckon
- understate

## Antonyms
- overestimate

## Derived Forms
- misunderestimate

## Etymology
From under- + estimate.

## AI Etymology
Underestimate is from under- + estimate. The surface analysis is under- + estimate. The prefix under- supplies the lower, beneath, or insufficient element. In present-day use, it can mean to think that something is smaller, easier, or less important than it really is, or to think that someone is less capable than they really are. Derived formations include misunderestimate.

## Topics
- Actions & Processes

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