underestimated
Wrongly deemed lesser
Underestimated describes something judged to be less than it actually is—in size, value, difficulty, or importance.
An underestimated opponent proves stronger than expected.
An underestimated cost turns out higher.
The word often carries a note of correction: The complexity of the project was seriously underestimated.
To feel underestimated is to believe others don't recognize your abilities.
Not noticed or considered
- underratedValued below true worth
- discountedReduced in price
- dismissedReleased from duty
- doubtedLacked certainty about
written off · misjudged · undervalued · hidden talent · dark horse · sleeper · unsung · unrecognized
One who competes against
- competitorOne striving against others
- adversaryEnemy in conflict
- challengerOne competing against incumbent
- contenderOne competing seriously
underdog · dark horse · upset · defeated · outmaneuvered · outsmarted · outplayed · humbled
Computed incorrectly
- unpreparedLacking readiness beforehand
- challengingHard to accomplish
- dauntingDiscouraging through difficulty
- complexHaving many interconnected parts
overwhelming · grueling · demanding · taxing · arduous · formidable · steep learning curve · reality check
Open to attack
- exposedOut in open
- unpreparedLacking readiness beforehand
- blindsidedSurprised by unforeseen impact
- complacentUncritically self-satisfied
overconfident · reckless · negligent · careless · unforeseen · unexpected · consequences · danger
Failure to reach quota
- insufficientBelow required quantity
- ran outBecame fully depleted
- undersuppliedGiven too little
- shortageDeficient supply of necessities
deficit · scarcity · miscounted · underbudgeted · overrun · exceeded · additional · replenish
overlooked
Not noticed or considered
- underratedValued below true worth
- discountedReduced in price
- dismissedReleased from duty
doubted · written off · misjudged · undervalued · hidden talent · dark horse · sleeper · unsung · unrecognized · potential
rival
One who competes against
- competitorOne striving against others
- adversaryEnemy in conflict
- challengerOne competing against incumbent
contender · underdog · dark horse · upset · defeated · outmaneuvered · outsmarted · outplayed · humbled · surprised
miscalculated
Computed incorrectly
- unpreparedLacking readiness beforehand
- challengingHard to accomplish
- dauntingDiscouraging through difficulty
complex · overwhelming · grueling · demanding · taxing · arduous · formidable · steep learning curve · reality check · humbling
vulnerable
Open to attack
- exposedOut in open
- unpreparedLacking readiness beforehand
- blindsidedSurprised by unforeseen impact
complacent · overconfident · reckless · negligent · careless · unforeseen · unexpected · consequences · danger · threat
shortfall
Failure to reach quota
- insufficientBelow required quantity
- ran outBecame fully depleted
- undersuppliedGiven too little
shortage · deficit · scarcity · miscounted · underbudgeted · overrun · exceeded · additional · replenish · restock
- overlookedoverlooked, unnoticed, ignored, forgotten, neglected
underestimatedoverestimated
Judged too favorably
overvalued · overrated · overstated · exaggerated · inflated
underestimatedoverrated
Praised beyond deserving
overhyped · lauded · celebrated · overappreciated · overpraised
underestimate, underestimates, underestimating, underestimation