Underestimated
/ˌʌndərˈɛstɪmeɪtɪd/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo judge something or someone as being less important, capable, or valuable than they really are.
/ˌʌndərˈɛstɪmeɪt/
To evaluate something as less than its actual value or potential.
They underestimated the power of the storm and were caught unprepared.
💡 Simply: It's like thinking a plant won't grow much, but then it grows a lot bigger than you thought! You underestimated its growth.
👶 For kids: To think something is smaller or less important than it really is.
More Examples
Don't underestimate the importance of practice.
I underestimated how much time the project would take.
How It's Used
"The company underestimated the demand for its new product."
"The team underestimated their opponent's strength."
"The polls underestimated the popular support for the candidate."
Describing something that has been judged to be of lesser value or impact than it actually is or was.
/ˌʌndərˈɛstɪmeɪtɪd/
That which has been evaluated as less than it actually is.
The underestimated value of the artwork was later revealed.
💡 Simply: Something's underestimated when people don't realize how important or big it actually is.
👶 For kids: When you didn't know something was as big or good as it really is.
More Examples
The effects of the policy were underestimated.
The underestimated costs led to serious budget issues.
How It's Used
"The underestimated impact of social media on political campaigns."
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
underestimate someone's capabilities
To not recognize someone's full potential or skills.
"He underestimated her capabilities, and she surprised everyone with her achievements."
From Middle English *undrestimen*, from Old French *estimer* ('to value, estimate') with the prefix 'under-' indicating a lower assessment.
The word has been in use since the late 18th century, reflecting the growing importance of precise evaluation in business, science, and politics.
Memory tip
Imagine estimating the weight of a heavy box. If you say it weighs less than it does, you *underestimate* it.