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.

One-year inflation swaps have continued to underestimate the impact of higher oil prices, Kwon said.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 14, 2026

Traders should not underestimate what a long weekend could bring.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

Japan may not be considered a global footballing powerhouse - but underestimate them at your peril.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026

As long as they underestimate me, I have an advantage.

From "Dry" by Neal Shusterman and Jarrod Shusterman

Vocabulary lists containing underestimate

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