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Underestimated: meaning, definitions and examples

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underestimated

 

[ ˌʌndərˈɛstəˌmeɪtɪd ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

in a negative way

To underestimate means to perceive someone or something as less capable, powerful, or important than they actually are. It can lead to overlooking someone's true potential or undervaluing their abilities.

Synonyms

misjudge, underappreciate, undervalue

Examples of usage

  • She underestimated her opponent's skills and ended up losing the match.
  • The manager underestimated the impact of the new marketing strategy on sales.
  • Don't underestimate the determination of a person who is working towards their goals.
  • It's easy to underestimate the challenges that come with starting a new business.
  • His talent was often underestimated by those around him.
Context #2 | Verb

in a positive way

To underestimate can also mean to predict or expect less success, achievement, or progress than is likely to occur. It can lead to a pleasant surprise when the actual outcome exceeds the underestimated expectations.

Synonyms

underestimate the potential of, underpredict, underrate

Examples of usage

  • The team was underestimated by their opponents, but they ended up winning the championship.
  • Never underestimate the power of small acts of kindness to make a big difference.
  • She underestimated the impact of her words on others, not realizing how much they would resonate.
  • People often underestimate the influence they can have on those around them.
  • The true potential of the project was greatly underestimated at the beginning.

Translations

Translations of the word "underestimated" in other languages:

🇵🇹 subestimado

🇮🇳 कम आंका गया

🇩🇪 unterschätzt

🇮🇩 diremehkan

🇺🇦 недооцінений

🇵🇱 niedoceniony

🇯🇵 過小評価された

🇫🇷 sous-estimé

🇪🇸 subestimado

🇹🇷 küçümsenmiş

🇰🇷 과소평가된

🇸🇦 مُقَلَّلٌ مِنْ قَيمَتِه

🇨🇿 podceňovaný

🇸🇰 podceňovaný

🇨🇳 被低估的

🇸🇮 podcenjen

🇮🇸 vanmetinn

🇰🇿 бағаламаған

🇬🇪 დაფასებული

🇦🇿 qiymətləndirilməmiş

🇲🇽 subestimado

Etymology

The word 'underestimate' originated in the early 19th century, combining the prefix 'under-' meaning 'below' or 'less than' with the verb 'estimate', which comes from the Latin 'aestimare' meaning 'to value or appraise'. Over time, 'underestimate' has become commonly used in various contexts to describe the act of undervaluing or misjudging the true nature or potential of someone or something.

See also: estimate, estimated, estimates, estimating, estimation, estimations, estimator, inestimable, misestimation, overestimate, overestimated, overestimation, underestimate, underestimating, underestimation.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,677, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.