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.

As an undersized but scrappy guard, underestimate Harmon at your own risk.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 12, 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

This is a far higher proportion than we would see if Wall Street analysts were equally likely to overestimate earnings as underestimate them.

From Barron's • Mar. 26, 2026

I must be standing there with my mouth open because she pops a macaroon into it and shakes her head as if to say, “See, you always underestimate me.”

From "Dreaming in Cuban" by Cristina García

Vocabulary lists containing underestimate

NAEP Test Words

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When Stars Are Scattered

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The Miracle Worker

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