American English

How to pronounce underestimate

verb · nounB2
uhnderEHStuhmeyt

/ˌən.dɚˈɛs.təˌmeɪt̚/

5 syllables · Stress the third syllable.

To calculate an amount, cost, time, or number as lower than it really is.

What to listen for

As a verb, “underestimate” is /ˌən.dɚˈɛs.təˌmeɪt̚/. As a noun, “an underestimate” is /ˌən.dɚˈɛs.tə.mɪt̚/.

Verb form/ˌən.dɚˈɛs.təˌmeɪt̚/
Noun form/ˌən.dɚˈɛs.tə.mɪt̚/
Practice out loud

Meanings & examples

verb

To calculate an amount, cost, time, or number as lower than it really is.

We underestimated the cost of the repairs.

I underestimated how long the trip would take.

Good to know

Use overestimate when your number is too high.

Common phrases & grammar

underestimate the cost · underestimate the time needed · underestimate the amount · underestimate the number of

underestimate the cost of + noun

underestimate how long + noun + will take

verb

To fail to recognize how good, strong, important, or difficult someone or something really is.

Never underestimate her ability to solve problems.

They underestimated how difficult the exam would be.

Common phrases & grammar

underestimate someone's ability · underestimate the importance of · underestimate the difficulty of · underestimate the power of

underestimate + person or thing

underestimate how + adjective + someone or something + is

nounless common

A guess or calculation that is lower than the real amount.

The first figure was an underestimate of the final cost.

His estimate of two hours was an underestimate.

Common phrases & grammar

an underestimate of + amount or cost

be an underestimate of + amount or cost

Related words & forms