English Reference
noun

estimation

n.
US /ˌɛstəˈmeɪʃən/ UK /ˌɛstɪmˈeɪʃən/ es·ti·ma·tion UK spelling estimations

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate Math

    the act of guessing or calculating a number, size, or amount when you do not have the exact facts.

    the process of forming an approximate calculation or judgment regarding the value, amount, or size of something.

    Simple

    The estimation of the project's total cost was much lower than the final bill.

    In context

    Initial estimation of the crowd size proved difficult due to the constant movement of people through the square's multiple exits.

    Usage

    Often used with the preposition 'of' to describe what is being measured.

    Teacher's tip

    In academic contexts, this refers to a systematic method rather than a random guess.

  2. 02 C1 Advanced Formal

    your personal opinion about how good or valuable someone or something is.

    a subjective judgment or opinion regarding the worth, character, or quality of a person or thing.

    Simple

    In my estimation, she is the best candidate for the manager position.

    In context

    The director's estimation of the young architect's potential was confirmed when the firm won the international design competition.

    Usage

    Commonly appears in the phrase 'in my estimation'.

    Teacher's tip

    This is a more formal way to say 'in my opinion'.

  3. 03 C1 Advanced FormalLiterary

    the feeling of respect or admiration you have for someone.

    the state of being held in high regard or esteem by others.

    Simple

    He is held in high estimation by all of his colleagues at the university.

    In context

    The diplomat fell in the public's estimation after the details of the secret negotiations were leaked to the press.

    Usage

    Often used with 'high' or 'low'.

    Teacher's tip

    This sense is less common in modern speech than 'respect' or 'reputation'.

The conclusions were based on people’s estimation of how hot the drinks were that they had consumed rather than their exact temperatures.

The Guardian· 9 Sept 2026

From Middle English estimacioun, estimacion, from Old French estimacion, from Latin aestimatio. Morphologically estimate + -ion.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Latin aestimatio
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated