Underestimate
/ˌʌndərˈɛstɪmeɪt/
Definitions
To evaluate something as being less than its actual value, size, or importance.
/ˌʌndərˈɛstɪmeɪt/
To judge something as being smaller or less important than it actually is.
I underestimated the difficulty of the exam and didn't study enough.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're baking a cake, and you put in too little sugar – you've underestimated how much you needed! Underestimating means not realizing how big or important something really is.
👶 For kids: To think something is smaller or less than it really is.
More Examples
We underestimated the power of the storm and were unprepared for the damage.
Don't underestimate the importance of good communication in a team.
How It's Used
"Companies often underestimate the cost of new projects."
"The pollsters underestimated the popularity of the candidate."
From 'under-' (meaning 'too little') + 'estimate' (from Latin 'aestimare', meaning 'to appraise, value'). It first appeared in the English language in the late 18th century.
The word 'underestimate' began gaining more widespread use in the 19th century, coinciding with growing trends in statistical analysis and the need for more accurate assessments.
Memory tip
Think of judging something 'under' its true 'estimate'.