Definition

A judgment or calculation that is higher than the actual value or reality.

Example

The overestimation of the project's costs led to budget issues.

Conversation

Have you ever thought about how overestimation can affect our goals?

Yeah, I think it can really set us up for disappointment sometimes.

Exactly! I tend to overestimation my abilities when I plan things.

Me too! It's important to be realistic about what we can achieve.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Overestimation → It is formed from "over-" (meaning excessively) and "estimate" (from Latin "estimare", meaning to value or assess) and the suffix "-tion" (meaning the action or process of). The word refers to the action of assessing something to a greater degree than is accurate or reasonable.

Memory Tip

Think of 'over' meaning excessively and 'estimate' meaning to value — this helps you remember that overestimation means valuing something too highly.

Visually Confused Words