underestimate
UK: ˌʌndərˈestɪmeɪt | US: ˌʌndərˈestɪmeɪt
vt. to judge something as being smaller, worse, or less important than it really is
vt. to assign too low a value or significance to something
n. an estimate that is too low
The word "underestimate" combines "under" (from Old English under, meaning "beneath" or "below") with "estimate" (from Latin aestimare, meaning "to assess or value"). The prefix "under-" implies insufficiency, while "estimate" retains its core meaning of judgment. The term emerged in the early 19th century, reflecting a logical blend of spatial metaphor ("under") and quantitative assessment ("estimate") to describe undervaluation.
Never underestimate the power of teamwork.
She underestimated the time needed to complete the project.
His opponent underestimated his determination.
The report underestimated the economic impact of the policy.
It’s easy to underestimate the difficulty of learning a new language.