underestimation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "underestimation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of estimating something as less than its actual value or importance. Example: "The underestimation of the project's complexity led to significant delays and budget overruns."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The Deputy Minister perhaps underestimates the Colonel, underestimation of one's adversary being a fatal weakness of many ambitious men.

The New Yorker

Schelling's influence on many directions in modern philosophy has been seriously underestimated in the English-speaking world, though this underestimation is now beginning to be countered by renewed attention to his work.

SEP

Nonetheless, the gap between GDP and jobs cannot be wholly explained by systemic underestimation.(2) Post-crash Britain has become unproductive and this is permanent.

The Economist

Clearly, a similar underestimation this year would smash the 3% limit and present the EU with a nasty dilemma.European diplomats whisper that of course it is inconceivable that any country would ever really be subjected to the sort of fines laid out in the stability pact.

The Economist

It is also correct that this resulted in a 24% underestimation in sample of incidents in 2012.

The Economist

Using data from other places, and given what they consider "inevitable" underestimation of the disease in poor countries due to limited awareness of it and low autopsy rates, the Colchesters estimate that there are 150 cases of CJD a year in India.

The Economist

But it also has terrible transport, and some of the worst-performing state schools in the country: "Anyone who thinks that Bristol is doing well is guilty of an unforgivable underestimation of what the city could do".In these times of austerity and anti-politics anger, the most potent argument of the anti-mayor campaign is the possible cost of a change.

The Economist

And it hinted, in his appeal to Mrs Merkel to dig him out of his hole, at a characteristic underestimation of how consensual European decision-making is.

The Economist

(3) The measurement of asset risk (that is, the underestimation of risk during the 2003-2006 boom) was a crucial problem during the recent crisis.

The Economist

The underestimation of the impact of austerity on output (the "fiscal multiplier") when interest rates are near zero has, as the IMF and others have pointed out, substantially reduced growth in the UK and other austerity minded nations.The upshot of these twin evils has been an investment collapse (Figure 4).

The Economist

This often occurs following a major injury in which there is internal bleeding, leading to underestimation of true blood loss and therefore to inadequate transfusion.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "underestimation", consider providing specific details about what was underestimated and why. This provides context and enhances clarity.

Common error

Don't use "underestimation" when you simply lack information. "Underestimation" implies an active, though flawed, attempt at assessment. If you had no basis for judgment, it's not an "underestimation", but a lack of awareness.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "underestimation" is that of a noun. It refers to the act of estimating something as being less than its actual value. As Ludwig AI points out, it describes the action or result of undervaluing or miscalculating something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "underestimation" functions as a noun, denoting the act of undervaluing or miscalculating something. It's grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Related terms include "miscalculation" and "underrating", though "underestimation" itself carries a specific weight of flawed evaluation. When using "underestimation", precision is vital: specify what was underestimated and why, while avoiding its misuse when simply lacking information. From the examples provided by Ludwig, it can be seen that the word shows up primarily in news and media, and it generally has negative connotations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

underreckoning

Similar to "underestimation", but can imply a more deliberate or calculated error.

underrating

Emphasizes a lower opinion or valuation than deserved.

misjudgment

Highlights a poor decision based on flawed assessment.

miscalculation

Focuses on the incorrect calculation or assessment leading to an inaccurate result.

underappreciation

Implies a failure to recognize the full value or worth.

devaluation

Suggests a reduction in value or importance attributed to something.

downplaying

Refers to deliberately minimizing the significance of something.

trivialization

Indicates treating something as less important than it actually is.

minimization

Highlights the act of reducing something to the smallest possible amount or degree.

belittling

Suggests making something seem unimportant or insignificant.

FAQs

How to use "underestimation" in a sentence?

You can use "underestimation" to describe the act of estimating something as being lower or less important than it actually is. For example: "The "underestimation of the project's complexity" led to delays."

What are some synonyms for "underestimation"?

Alternatives to "underestimation" include "miscalculation", "underrating", and "misjudgment". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What's the difference between "underestimation" and "oversight"?

"Underestimation" implies a flawed assessment, whereas "oversight" suggests a failure to notice something entirely. An "underestimation" is a miscalculation, an oversight is a complete miss.

Is "underestimation" always negative?

Yes, "underestimation" generally carries a negative connotation, as it implies a failure to properly assess something's value, importance, or scope. However, sometimes it can be used strategically for rhetorical effect, such as in the phrase "He courts "underestimation" and the opportunities it furnishes for theatrical correction".