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Underestimated Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ”
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underestimated

[หŒสŒndษ™rหˆษ›stษ™หŒmeษชtษชd ]

Definitions

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
underestimated

Use this word when someone has not correctly assessed the size, importance, or ability of something or someone.

  • They underestimated the difficulty of the project
  • He underestimated his opponent and lost the match
undervalue

Use this word when placing less value on something than it actually deserves, often in terms of worth or importance. It implies a failure to give proper respect or recognition.

  • She tends to undervalue her abilities
  • The company was undervalued by the investors
underappreciate

This word applies when someone fails to recognize the full value or worth of something or someone. It often has a negative or regretful connotation.

  • They underappreciate the hard work of the employees
  • He felt underappreciated in his job
misjudge

This word is used when someone forms an incorrect opinion or conclusion about something or someone. It implies making an error in evaluation, often in behavior or intentions.

  • I misjudged her intentions and thought she was angry
  • She misjudged the distance and missed the bus

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
underestimated

This word is used when discussing a situation where someone did not fully recognize or value the true significance, importance, or magnitude of something.

  • He underestimated how difficult the exam would be.
  • The company underestimated the costs of expansion.
underestimate the potential of

This phrase is used when someone fails to recognize the possible future success, capabilities, or impact of something or someone.

  • She underestimated the potential of the new software to revolutionize the industry.
  • Never underestimate the potential of a small but dedicated team.

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

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The prefix 'under-' originally meant 'beneath' and 'estimate' comes from Latin, meaning 'to value or rate'.
  • The concept of underestimation has been present in decision-making contexts since at least the 19th century, especially in business.

Psychology

  • Studies show that people often underestimate their own abilities, which can lead to lower self-esteem.
  • The Dunning-Kruger effect suggests that people with lower skills tend to overestimate their abilities, revealing a bias in self-assessment.

Pop Culture

  • Movies often portray overlooked characters who reveal their hidden strengths, like the underestimated hero who saves the day.
  • In sports, underdogs are frequently underestimated but can surprise everyone by winning against stronger, favored opponents.

Education

  • Teachers might underestimate a student's potential based on their past performance, which can hinder the student's progress.
  • Educational assessments can sometimes underestimate a child's intelligence when they have different learning styles.

Technology

  • The first mobile phones were underestimated in terms of their future impact, which is now central to daily life around the globe.
  • Many technological advancements, like the Internet, were initially seen as trivial but have dramatically changed communication and information access.

Origin of 'underestimated'

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.