American English
/ˌən.dɚˈɛs.təˌmeɪ.ɾɪd̚/
6 syllables · Stress the third syllable.
Form of underestimate
Underestimated is used as both the past form and the past participle of underestimate.
It means that someone calculated an amount, cost, time, or number as lower than it really was.
Say “underestimated” with the strongest beat on “es”; the beginning of the word is lighter.
It means that someone calculated an amount, cost, time, or number as lower than it really was.
They underestimated the repair cost.
The final cost was underestimated.
The same spelling is used as both a past form and a past participle.
It means that someone failed to recognize how good, strong, important, or difficult someone or something really was.
The coach underestimated her strength.
Her ability was underestimated by the team.