underestimate

verb
UK: /ˌʌndərˈestɪmeɪt/
US: /ˌʌndərˈestɪmeɪt/

  1. To think that something is smaller or less important than it really is.

    1. Don't underestimate the other team they are very good.
    2. We underestimated the time it would take to complete the project given the unexpected delays.

  2. To fail to properly assess the strength or potential of someone or something.

    1. Never underestimate your opponent you will regret it later.
    2. The company significantly underestimated the impact of the new regulations on their profits and strategies.

Synonyms

underrate minimize devalue
underestimate noun

  1. An assessment that is too low.

    1. That was an underestimate the real cost was higher.
    2. The initial underestimate of the damage caused by the storm proved to be significantly off.

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "underestimate" in English means: To think that something is smaller or less important than it really is., To fail to properly assess the strength or potential of someone or something..

The phonetic transcription of "underestimate" is /ˌʌndərˈestɪmeɪt/ in British English and /ˌʌndərˈestɪmeɪt/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "underestimate": underrate, minimize, devalue.

Example usage of "underestimate": "Don't underestimate the other team they are very good.". More examples on the page.