underrate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "underrate" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the act of undervaluing or not recognizing the true worth or importance of someone or something. Example: "Many people tend to underrate the impact of small acts of kindness on mental health."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But their official titles both overrate and underrate their authority.

The Economist

Yet this was to underrate Mr Clarke's consistency.Like the jazz saxophonists he reveres, his improvisations and eccentricities have always conformed to a deceptively tight form, in two ways.

The Economist

World rankings tend to underrate them, partly because non-English-speaking laboratories are penalised.

The Economist

Political leaders of all stripes tend to underrate Australia's capacity to absorb outsiders.

The Economist

Or will the big dog simply pad around the White House wagging his tail with nothing but time on his hands?It would be foolish to underrate Mrs Clinton.

The Economist

But most people outside Japan underrate the power of two ferocious pressure-groups: its doctors and dentists.

The Economist

Statistics showing Qatar's residents to be the richest in the world, with a GDP per person of $80,000-plus at purchasing-power parity, vastly underrate the wealth of a pampered 250,000 or so who hold the privilege of citizenship.Yet despite the bristling of shiny towers on its waterfront and the freshly acquired treasures in its lavish new Islamic museum, Doha retains a dowdy provincial feel.

The Economist

Mr Page says Millward Brown has worked more with them than any other firm.Furthermore, he says, do not underrate system two.

The Economist

A son of the artist and novelist George du Maurier, he won immense popularity, but the fact that he presented characters in terms of his own personality, in contemporary plays, led many to underrate him.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Qin-Han school tried to underrate the achievements of Han Yu and Liu Zongyuan, along with the Song essayists, and proudly declared that post-Han prose was not worth reading.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The only explanation can be that most men (with the odd honourable exception) consistently underrate the abilities of women.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "underrate" with specific nouns or subjects to give a deeper meaning and avoid generalizations when describing the scope of analysis.

Common error

Avoid using "underrate" when you mean "understate". "Underrate" means to underestimate the value or importance of something, while "understate" means to present something as less significant than it is. For example, don't say "He underrated the problem" when you mean "He understated the problem."

Linguistic Context

The verb "underrate" functions primarily to express the act of assigning a lower value, importance, or ability to something or someone than is actually warranted. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status. This is evident in examples such as "Political leaders of all stripes tend to underrate Australia's capacity to absorb outsiders."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

3%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "underrate" is a versatile verb used to express the act of undervaluing something's true worth, importance, or potential. As verified by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, especially in News & Media and Encyclopedias. While alternatives such as "underestimate" and "undervalue" exist, "underrate" holds its own due to its broad applicability. When employing "underrate" in your writing, ensure clarity by specifying what aspects are being undervalued and avoid confusing it with "understate". The high frequency and authoritative sources utilizing "underrate" underscore its importance in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

underestimate

Similar in meaning, but focuses more on a numerical or quantitative misjudgment.

undervalue

Focuses on the intrinsic worth or merit not being fully appreciated.

downplay

Implies a deliberate attempt to minimize the significance.

disregard

Suggests a complete lack of attention or consideration.

belittle

Indicates making something seem unimportant or trivial.

misjudge

Focuses on forming an incorrect opinion or assessment.

minimize

To reduce something to the smallest possible amount or degree.

overlook

Failing to notice something important.

trivialize

To make something seem less important than it really is.

miscalculate

To estimate incorrectly.

FAQs

How can I use "underrate" in a sentence?

You can use "underrate" when you want to express that something or someone's value, importance, or ability is being underestimated. For instance, "Many people "underrate" the importance of regular exercise".

What's a good alternative to the word "underrate"?

Depending on the specific context, you can use words like "underestimate", "undervalue", or "downplay" as alternatives to "underrate".

What's the difference between "underrate" and "underestimate"?

"Underrate" generally refers to undervaluing the worth or importance of something, while "underestimate" typically involves quantity, degree, or numerical value. You "underrate" someone's abilities, but you might "underestimate" the cost of a project.

Is it better to "underrate" or overrate someone's potential?

Both can be problematic. To "underrate" someone's potential might lead to missed opportunities, while to overrate it can set unrealistic expectations. A balanced and accurate assessment is usually preferable.