Overestimate: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when someone makes a judgment or guess that is higher than the actual value or ability. Common in academic, professional, or everyday situations where accuracy is crucial.

• He tends to overestimate his ability to complete projects on time.
• Don't overestimate the impact of this new feature on user engagement.

Used when describing something in a way that makes it seem more important or bigger than it actually is. Often used in storytelling or to emphasize a point and can sometimes have a negative connotation.

• She always exaggerates the details of her adventures.
• He exaggerated the benefits of the product during the sales pitch.

Used when increasing something beyond its true value or size, often by addition of something unnecessary or false. Commonly used in financial and economic contexts, or metaphorically in discussions about ego or importance.

• They tried to inflate the company's value before selling it.
• His sense of self-importance is greatly inflated.

Used when assigning too much value to something, often in financial or personal judgment contexts. It has a practical, usually financial, connotation.

• You shouldn't overvalue that antique; it's not worth as much as you think.
• Investors tend to overvalue stocks of trendy tech companies.

Use when someone thinks something or someone is larger, better, or more important than it actually is.

• He tends to overestimate his abilities.
• The company overestimated the demand for their new product.

Use when someone or something is considered better or more important than they really are. This often carries a negative connotation.

• Many people think that movie is overrated.
• Some tourists feel that the city's reputation is overrated.

Use when something is given more value or importance than it's actually worth. This can be used in financial contexts or to describe personal judgments.

• Investors often overvalue tech startups.
• She tends to overvalue her contributions to the project.

Use when the price set for a product or service is too high compared to its actual value.

• The tickets to the concert were overpriced, so many people didn't buy them.
• Some online stores overprice items to make them seem more exclusive.