What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
underestimating
Example
By underestimating her opponent, she lost the match. [underestimating: verb]
Example
The company made the mistake of underestimating the impact of the pandemic on their business. [underestimating: gerund or present participle]
underestimate
Example
I underestimated how long it would take me to finish the project. [underestimated: past tense]
Example
Don't underestimate the power of teamwork. [underestimate: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Underestimate is more commonly used than underestimating in everyday language. Underestimate is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while underestimating is less common and may be used in more specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between underestimating and underestimate?
Both underestimating and underestimate are neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.