What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
underrate
Example
Don't underrate her abilities just because she's new. [underrate: verb]
Example
The team's performance was undervalued by the critics. [underrated: past participle]
underestimate
Example
I underestimated the amount of time it would take to finish the project. [underestimated: past tense]
Example
We should not underestimate the impact of climate change on our planet. [underestimate: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Underestimate is more commonly used than underrate in everyday language. Underestimate is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while underrate is less common and refers to a specific type of undervaluation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between underrate and underestimate?
Both underrate and underestimate can be used in formal and informal contexts, but underestimate is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of formality levels.
