Underpredict Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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underpredict
[ˌʌndərpredɪkt ]
Definition
prediction
To predict an outcome to be less than what actually occurs.
Synonyms
lowball, underestimate, undershoot.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| underpredict |
This word is typically used in contexts involving forecasts, especially in statistical or scientific settings, where the actual outcome turns out to be greater than predicted.
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| underestimate |
Used when describing a situation where someone incorrectly judges something to be less important or smaller than it really is. It can be applied in various situations, including personal judgments and professional assessments.
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| undershoot |
Typically used in contexts involving targets or goals, indicating that the actual result is less than the target. Common in business, project management, and aviation.
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| lowball |
Often used in negotiations or sales contexts, suggesting an intentional or strategic act of offering a lower amount than what is expected or fair. It can carry a negative connotation, implying deceit or unfairness.
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Examples of usage
- The weather forecast underpredicted the amount of snowfall we received.
- The analyst underpredicted the sales numbers for the quarter.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Science
- In scientific studies, underpredicting can lead to misleading conclusions, affecting everything from climate models to health forecasts.
- Psychologists have shown that people often underpredict their future happiness, especially when making long-term decisions.
- Statistical underprediction often occurs in machine learning, where models don't capture the full complexity of data.
Economics
- Economists sometimes underpredict GDP growth, highlighting the unpredictability of market dynamics and consumer behavior.
- Economic forecasts often involve underprediction during recovery periods following recessions, as recovery can exceed expectations.
- Underpredicting can adversely affect policy-making, where accurate predictions are key for resource allocation.
Education
- Teachers might underpredict a student's success based on early performance, which can lead to missed opportunities for motivation.
- Standardized tests can unintentionally lead schools to underpredict the abilities of students from different backgrounds.
- Research indicates that underpredicting students’ performance can result in lower expectations, impacting their educational outcomes.
Pop Culture
- Movies like 'Hidden Figures' showcase how predictions about individuals' capabilities were often underestimated, highlighting themes of empowerment.
- In sports, many teams have historically underpredicted the success of rookie players, leading to surprise performances.
- Underprediction is a common trope in stories where characters exceed others' expectations, often leading to personal triumphs.
Origin of 'underpredict'
Main points about word origin
- The word combines 'under', meaning below or lesser, with 'predict', which comes from Latin roots meaning to declare beforehand.
- It has emerged in scientific and statistical contexts, indicating a systematic way of estimating results.
- First known usage dates back to the late 20th century, reflecting a growing reliance on data-driven predictions.
The word 'underpredict' is a combination of the prefix 'under-' meaning 'below' or 'less than' and the verb 'predict' which means to forecast or estimate the future occurrence of something. The term originated in the field of statistics and data analysis, where it is used to describe predictions that fall short of the actual outcome. 'Underpredict' gained popularity in the late 20th century with the rise of predictive modeling and forecasting in various industries.
See also: predictability, predictable, predictably, predicted, predicting, prediction, predictions, predictive, predictor, unpredictability, unpredictable, unpredictably, unpredicted.