Definition

A judgment or opinion that something is less important, serious, or valuable than it really is.

Example

His underestimation of the project's complexity led to many problems later on.

Conversation

I think there’s a real underestimation of how much time this project will take.

Absolutely! Everyone seems to think it will be done in a week.

Yeah, I just want to make sure we’re prepared for any delays.

Good idea; we don’t want to be caught off guard.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Underestimation → It is formed from "under-" (meaning below or beneath) and "estimate" (from Latin "aestimare", meaning to value or assess). The word refers to the act of valuing something as less than its actual worth, hence assessing it below its true value.

Memory Tip

Think of valuing something 'below' ('under-') its true worth ('estimate') — that's why underestimation means to assess something as less valuable.

Visually Confused Words