understate

verb

un·​der·​state ˌən-dər-ˈstāt How to pronounce understate (audio)
understated; understating; understates

transitive verb

1
: to represent as less than is the case
understate taxable income
2
: to state or present with restraint especially for effect

Examples of understate in a Sentence

He understated his taxable income. She's trying to understate the issue.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Conclusion In an era marked by global economic uncertainties and challenging market dynamics, the power of market-agnostic software—bolstered by intelligent AI and driven by clear, outcome-centric metrics—cannot be understated. Rafael Flores, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025 The 2025 Cannes Film Festival has thus far seen a wide range of outfits on the red carpet, from the rule-breaking to the understated. Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 21 May 2025 Here’s how the scheme plays out: Chinese exporters, often through freight forwarders — companies that handle the logistics of shipping merchandise — understate the value of goods or mislabel them, often both, in the shipping documents to draw lesser duties. Anniek Bao, CNBC, 20 May 2025 Critics claim the review understated the potential economic damage. Jaime Moore-Carrillo, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for understate

Word History

First Known Use

1824, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of understate was in 1824

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Cite this Entry

“Understate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/understate. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

understate

verb
un·​der·​state ˌən-dər-ˈstāt How to pronounce understate (audio)
1
: to represent as less than is the case
understate taxable income
2
: to state mildly especially on purpose
understatement noun

More from Merriam-Webster on understate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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