is understated by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is understated by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing how something is presented or perceived as less significant or important than it actually is. Example: "The impact of climate change is understated by many media outlets, leading to a lack of urgency in addressing the issue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Americans may not know much about I.R.I.'s work since its impact is understated by design.

The New York Times

By doing this, the number of people who lose out on legal aid is understated by over 40,000.

The Guardian

If there are 5 million white superconsumers of Latino cultural products, is it possible that the market is understated by 25%?

Harvard Business Review

The correct leverage effect in the example is understated by a factor of 10.

Forbes

The correct leverage effect in Mr. Lenzner's example is understated by a factor of 10.

Forbes

Consequently, it is quite possible that the overall role of security, when more broadly defined, is understated by the present study.

Crime Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

The Conservatives were understated by polls while practically every other party was overstated, especially Labour.

Independent

The Conservative vote was understated by 1.8% and the Labour vote overstated by 3.7% in byelections.

The Guardian

Christopher Whalen of Institutional Risk Analytics, a research firm, thinks charge-offs are understated by a third.How long will deleveraging take?

The Economist

Ghana found the size of its economy had been understated by 60% when it rebased its GDP statistics in 2010.

The Economist

As for the overworked Easter-friendly subtext, Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ was understated by comparison.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When utilizing the phrase "is understated by", ensure the subject and agent are explicitly mentioned to avoid ambiguity and create clear, concise sentences.

Common error

While "is understated by" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. Consider more precise alternatives like "is underestimated by" or "is minimized by" for a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is understated by" functions as a passive construction, indicating that the subject's true value, impact, or extent is being represented as less significant than it actually is. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is considered correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is understated by" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to express that something's importance or extent is not fully recognized or appreciated. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase. It frequently appears in news, scientific, and business contexts, indicating a discrepancy between perceived and actual significance. When writing, aim to avoid overusing the phrase in formal contexts. Other choices like "is minimized by", "is downplayed by" or "is underestimated by" can be used as alternatives to add variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is minimized by

Focuses on reducing the perceived importance or effect.

is downplayed by

Emphasizes a deliberate attempt to make something seem less important.

is underestimated by

Highlights that something's value or impact is not fully recognized.

is undervalued by

Indicates that something's worth is not properly assessed.

is trivialized by

Suggests that something is being made to seem unimportant or insignificant.

is disregarded by

Implies that something is being ignored or not taken into account.

is glossed over by

Indicates that something is being superficially treated or not given enough attention.

is brushed aside by

Suggests that something is being dismissed or rejected without proper consideration.

is diminished by

Emphasizes the reduction in significance or impact.

is muted by

Highlights a reduction in intensity or expression.

FAQs

How can I use "is understated by" in a sentence?

Use "is understated by" to show that something's true significance or size isn't being fully recognized. For instance, "The impact of social media on elections "is understated by" many analysts".

What's a good alternative to "is understated by"?

Alternatives include "is minimized by", "is downplayed by", or "is underestimated by". The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize a deliberate attempt to reduce importance or a simple lack of recognition.

What's the difference between "is understated by" and "is overestimated by"?

"Is understated by" means something is presented as less significant than it is, while "is overestimated by" means it's presented as more significant. They are antonyms, indicating opposite perceptions of the same subject.

When is it appropriate to use "is understated by" in writing?

It's suitable when you want to argue that a particular aspect, impact, or value isn't being fully appreciated or acknowledged. For example, "The role of preventative healthcare "is understated by" current policy debates".