underestimate

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

VERB

minimize; rate too low

Synonyms

STRONGEST

belittle miscalculate underrate undervalue

STRONG

deprecate depreciate disesteem disparage miscarry slight

WEAK

make light of not do justice put down sell short think too little of

Antonyms

STRONGEST

exaggerate overestimate overrate overvalue praise value

STRONG

approve commend compliment flatter laud

WEAK

maximize

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Traders should not underestimate what a long weekend could bring.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

Elliot, 32, founded collectibles platform Valart, and said many people underestimate what they own.

From BBC • Mar. 27, 2026

Sports underestimate their human elements, the tics and oddities that make them unique.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026

Lastly, he said, don’t underestimate the power of your own animal instincts.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026

To say that I had low expectations would be to underestimate the matter dramatically.

From "Looking for Alaska" by John Green