understatement

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "understatement" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to refer to an expression which minimizes the size or importance of something, often to make a humorous point. For example: "Having to move all of my stuff across the country was a bit of an understatement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That is an understatement.

The New York Times - Magazine

To say we've deindustrialised is an understatement.

The Guardian - Opinion

But she writes fast and adds – understatement of the year – "I don't have writer's block as such".

The Guardian

To say this was an improvement on FX's three-month slot average may be an understatement.

The Guardian

To say I am surprised the DfE is behaving in this way is an understatement.

The Guardian

But he acknowledged, with wryly relished understatement, that it was "at an early stage of elaboration".

The Guardian

"I couldn't have done much more," said Murray afterwards, with no little understatement.

The Guardian - Sport

He remarks, ‘Women find that very attractive.’ If the women I know are anything to go by, this is something of an understatement.

The Guardian - Film

In stories such as "Fat" and "Are You a Doctor?" he writes with flat understatement about suburban disenchantment in mid-century America.

The Guardian

[The son] said, in a huge understatement, 'I knew something was up'".

The Guardian

To say that I hated Easter Monday as a child would be an understatement.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "understatement" to add a touch of irony or humor to your writing, particularly when emphasizing a point by deliberately downplaying it.

Common error

Avoid using "understatement" in situations that require direct and unambiguous communication, such as safety instructions or critical warnings, as it can lead to misinterpretation or a lack of urgency.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "understatement" is as a noun. It refers to the act of representing something as less than it is, or a statement that does so. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its usage in various contexts, confirming its noun status.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "understatement" is a noun that describes the act of downplaying something, often for ironic or humorous effect. Ludwig AI confirms that the term is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media, and formal business contexts. While it's important to avoid understatement in scenarios that require complete clarity, skilled writers can harness it for emphasis and nuance. Understanding the term's purpose and contextual suitability is crucial for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

underemphasizing the fact

Highlights not giving enough importance to a particular piece of information.

minimizing the importance

Highlights reducing the perceived significance of something.

downplaying the situation

Focuses on minimizing the perceived importance of an event or circumstance.

playing it down

Focuses on de-emphasizing the severity or importance of something.

toning it down

Suggests making something less forceful, extreme, or offensive.

tempering the description

Implies moderating or softening a description to make it less intense.

belittling the matter

Emphasizes making something seem less significant or serious than it is.

reducing the gravity

Focuses on lessening the seriousness or weight of a situation.

soft-pedaling the issue

Suggests handling a sensitive topic with restraint and caution.

mitigating the impact

Emphasizes lessening the effect or consequences of something.

FAQs

How can I use "understatement" in a sentence?

You can use "understatement" to describe a statement that deliberately minimizes something for effect, like saying "It rained a bit" when there was a major flood. Ludwig provides many examples of its use.

What are some alternatives to the word "understatement"?

Alternatives include "downplaying the situation", "minimizing the importance", or "soft-pedaling the issue" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

What is the effect of using "understatement" in writing?

Using "understatement" can create irony, humor, or emphasis by deliberately presenting something as less significant than it is. It often relies on the audience recognizing the discrepancy.

Is it appropriate to use "understatement" in formal writing?

While "understatement" can be used in formal writing, it should be done judiciously and with awareness of the audience. Overuse or inappropriate use can undermine the credibility or seriousness of the writing.