Word
overestimate
Phoneticsover·es·ti·mate
US/ˌoʊvɝˈɛstəˌmeɪt/
UK/ˌəʊvəɹˈɛstɪmət/
Definition
n. a guess or calculation that is higher than the actual amount or value. You use this when you think something is bigger, more expensive, or more important than it really is.
n. an estimate or calculation that is higher than the actual value or amount. Often used to describe a judgment that is too optimistic or exaggerated.
Examples
“The initial overestimate of the project cost was quite high.”
“The team realized their overestimate of the available resources meant they had to delay the final phase of the construction.”
“While the initial overestimate of the market potential was criticized by analysts, it actually served as a catalyst for the company to develop more robust and scalable infrastructure.”
Examples
simple
“The initial overestimate of the project cost was quite high.”
contextual
“The team realized their overestimate of the available resources meant they had to delay the final phase of the construction.”
complex
“While the initial overestimate of the market potential was criticized by analysts, it actually served as a catalyst for the company to develop more robust and scalable infrastructure.”
Real-World Examples
“For example, many people overestimate how common loneliness actually is in old age , even though the vast majority of older people feel socially connected.” “However, there is evidence of an inconvenient truth: Users of social media tend to overestimate how much they know about climate change.” Etymology
From over- + estimate.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/overestimate