English · Word Candidate

underestimate

/ʌndɚˈɛs.tɪ.meɪt/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: underestimates · underestimating · underestimated

Sense 1

Meaning · English

To estimate too low; to perceive (someone or something) as having a lower value, quantity, worth, etc., than what he/she/it actually has.

Verb

Examples

It recalls the business case for Scotland's reopening of the Borders Railway to Tweedbank, that British Rail closed in 1969. The review says the business case for this was at best borderline, but goes on to say that the case greatly underestimated passenger demand and that the railway Scotland built

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

To perceive or expect (someone or something) to be less significant or difficult than it actually is.

Verb

Examples

I totally underestimated the task.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

An estimate that is too low.

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “underestimate” mean?

To estimate too low; to perceive (someone or something) as having a lower value, quantity, worth, etc., than what he/she/it actually has.

Is “underestimate” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.