American Dictionary

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Definition underestimate in American English

underestimate verb

[transitive] verb
/ˌʌndərˈestɪˌmeɪt/
1

to think that someone has less power or ability than they really have

Example

Their big mistake was to underestimate their opponents' skill in handling the news media.

Synonyms and related words
2

to think or guess that something is smaller, less important, etc. than it really is

Example

We have seriously underestimated the cost of this trip.

Synonyms and related words
Definition underestimate in American English