Underrate: meaning, definitions and examples

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underrate

 

[ ˌʌndəˈreɪt ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

in relationships

To underestimate the value, importance, or quality of someone or something.

Synonyms

underappreciate, underestimate, undervalue.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
underrate

Used when someone is given less credit than they deserve, often relating to talent or capabilities.

  • Many underrate her singing abilities despite her impressive vocal range
  • The movie was underrated by critics but loved by audiences
underestimate

Used when someone inaccurately judges something or someone to be less capable or important than they actually are. Can have negative implications if it leads to mistakes or errors in judgment.

  • It's easy to underestimate the challenges of mountain climbing
  • Never underestimate your opponent in a debate
undervalue

Used when assigning lower worth to something than it realistically holds, often in a financial or quantitative sense.

  • Many people undervalue antique furniture until they see its market price
  • His contributions to the project are undervalued by the management
underappreciate

Used when someone's efforts or contributions are not fully recognized or valued.

  • Employees often feel underappreciated when their hard work goes unnoticed
  • The contributions of support staff are sometimes underappreciated

Examples of usage

  • I feel like you underrate me sometimes.
  • Don't underrate the impact of your words on others.
Context #2 | Verb

in sports

To underestimate the ability or skill level of an opponent.

Synonyms

underestimate, underestimate, undervalue.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
underrate

This word is often used when someone's abilities, talents, or potential are not fully recognized or appreciated. It tends to emphasize a lack of recognition for someone's true worth.

  • People tend to underrate his capabilities just because he is humble.
  • Don't underrate her musical talent; she is truly gifted.
underestimate

This term is used when someone makes a mistake in judging the difficulty, size, or importance of something, usually considering it to be less than it actually is. It can be about people or things and often implies a wrongful judgment.

  • We shouldn't underestimate the time required to complete this project.
  • They underestimated her determination to succeed.

Examples of usage

  • It would be a mistake to underrate their team.

Translations

Translations of the word "underrate" in other languages:

🇵🇹 subestimar

🇮🇳 कम आंकना

🇩🇪 unterschätzen

🇮🇩 meremehkan

🇺🇦 недооцінювати

🇵🇱 niedoceniać

🇯🇵 過小評価する (kashou hyouka suru)

🇫🇷 sous-estimer

🇪🇸 subestimar

🇹🇷 küçümsemek

🇰🇷 과소평가하다 (gwaseopyeonggahada)

🇸🇦 يستخف

🇨🇿 podceňovat

🇸🇰 podceňovať

🇨🇳 低估 (dīgū)

🇸🇮 podcenjevati

🇮🇸 vanmeta

🇰🇿 менсінбеу

🇬🇪 განიცდიან

🇦🇿 qiymətləndirməmək

🇲🇽 subestimar

Etymology

The word 'underrate' originated in the early 17th century, with the prefix 'under-' meaning beneath or below, and 'rate' meaning estimate. Over time, 'underrate' has been used to describe the act of underestimating or undervaluing something or someone. It is commonly used in various contexts, including relationships, sports, and general assessments of value.

See also: berate, overrate, overrated, rate, rated, rates, rating, ratings, underrated, underrating.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,601, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.