underestimate

/ˌʌndəɹˈɛstɪmət/

/ˈəndɝˈɛstəˌmeɪt/, /ˈəndɝˈɛstəmət/

[verb] [noun]

to underestimate

[VERB]

MAIN VERB

to regard something or someone as smaller or less important than they really are

synonyms : lowball

make too low an estimate of

synonyms : underrate

antonyms : overestimate

assign too low a value to

synonyms : undervalue

antonyms : overvalue

Underestimate

[NOUN]

an estimation that is too low; an estimate that is less than the true or actual value

synonyms : underestimation

underrating

underreckoning

Examples

1. Many people underestimate the power of introverts, thinking that their quiet demeanor means they have nothing to offer.

2. The coach had to eat crow and admit that he had underestimated the opposing team's abilities after they won the game.

3. If they underestimate us, it will play into our hands - we'll be able to surprise them with our skills.

4. He always warned his friends to be cautious of women, saying that the female of the species is more deadly than the male and that they should never underestimate a woman's ability to manipulate and deceive.