Word
underestimate
Phoneticsun·der·es·ti·mate, stress on the first syllable
/ˈəndɝˈɛstəˌmeɪt/
Definitions
01to value too low
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. to guess that a number, cost, or amount is lower than it actually is.
v. to calculate or estimate a numerical value, such as cost or quantity, at a level lower than the true figure.
“The builders underestimated the cost of the repairs, so we had to pay more later.”
“The finance department underestimated the quarterly expenses by nearly ten percent, leading to a significant budget shortfall in the final month.”
Usage
Transitive verb taking a direct object, often a numerical or financial noun phrase.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02to judge someone's ability poorly
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. to think that someone or something is less capable or dangerous than they really are.
v. to fail to appreciate the true strength, skill, or difficulty of a person or situation.
“Never underestimate your opponent in a game, even if they look tired.”
“The incumbent candidate lost the election because he underestimated the public's desire for radical policy changes.”
Usage
Often used in the imperative as a warning: 'Never underestimate...'
Synonyms
Antonyms
03a low guess
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Formal
n. a guess or calculation that is lower than the real amount.
n. an assessment or calculation that is lower than the actual or required amount.
“The initial report was a serious underestimate of how many people would attend.”
“The structural engineer's report proved to be a dangerous underestimate of the reinforcement required for the bridge's foundation.”
Usage
Countable noun; frequently follows the verb 'to be' or functions as the object of 'to provide'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“It is likely our study underestimates the benefits of the program.” “Military leaders frequently underestimate how big the wars they engage in will get.” “Consequently, the analysis "likely underestimates the number of people affected in densely populated urban areas", the organisation notes on its "European Heat Tracker" website.” Etymology
From under- + estimate.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- 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
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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