# estimation

/ˌɛstəˈmeɪʃən/ (US) · /ˌɛstɪmˈeɪʃən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/estimation
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. calculating a value

noun · CEFR B2

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

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

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

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

### 2. an opinion or judgment

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

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

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

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

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

### 3. respect or regard

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal · Literary

the feeling of respect or admiration you have for someone.

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

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

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

## Examples

- The builder gave us an estimation of the total cost.
- According to the latest estimation by the finance department, the project will take six months to complete.
- While the initial estimation of the crowd size was modest, subsequent aerial photography suggested that the actual attendance was nearly double the original figure.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.