underestimate
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˌʌndərˈɛstəˌmeɪt/
KK: /ʌndərˈɛstəˌmeɪt/
noun
Definition
A value or amount that is lower than the actual one, often used to describe a situation where someone does not recognize the true importance or size of something.
Example
The team's underestimate of the project's cost led to budget issues.
Conversation
I really thought I could finish the project in one day.
Yeah, sometimes we underestimate how much time things take.
I guess I should plan better next time to avoid that.
Definitely! A little extra time can save a lot of stress.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
underrating
miscalculation
devaluation
Antonyms
overestimate
appraisal
valuation
transitive verb
Definition
To judge something as being less important, valuable, or significant than it really is.
Example
Many people underestimate the impact of small changes in their daily routine.
Tense Forms
Past: underestimated
Past Participle: underestimated
Conversation
I think people often underestimate how much time it takes to learn a new language.
That's so true! It can be really challenging at times.
Yeah, I used to underestimate how hard it would be to keep up with practice.
Root Explanation
Underestimate → It is formed from "under-" (meaning below or beneath) and "estimate" (from Latin "aestimare", meaning to value or assess). The word means to assess something as being of lesser value or importance than it actually is.
Memory Tip
Think of valuing something 'below' ('under-') its true worth — that's why underestimate means to assess something as less than it is.
Visually Confused Words
unestimated
overestimate