Origin: Latin suffix -ate
Underestimate has 6 different meanings across 2 categories:
an estimation that is too low; an estimate that is less than the true or actual value
"She underestimated the cost of renovating the kitchen and now she has to pay out of pocket."
An estimate that is too low.
"The initial budget was so far off that we had to admit it severely underestimated the true cost of the renovation."
assign too low a value to
"Don't underestimate the value of this heirloom-you may sell it at a good price"
make a deliberately low estimate
"The construction company wanted the contract badly and lowballed"
make too low an estimate of
"he underestimated the work that went into the renovation"
"Don't underestimate the danger of such a raft trip on this river"
To perceive (someone or something) as having a lower value, quantity, worth, etc., than what he/she/it actually has.
"Don't underestimate her ability to fix the engine on such short notice."