understate

verb

un·​der·​state ˌən-dər-ˈstāt 

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

Their particular fantasy was for a fully monochromatic room, something understated that might look at home in a Prada store. — Keith Flanagan, Architectural Digest, 29 Sep. 2026

From pencil to pleated, mini to knee-length, sheer to leather, and understated to embellished — the skirt ruled the runway. — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 28 Sep. 2026

Chuck compared it to the way Sade releases music — understated, with no need for spectacle. — A.j. Hilton, CBS News, 28 Sep. 2026

This season, the cool-girl shoe vibe is sleek and understated. — Natalie Cantell, InStyle, 27 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1824, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for understate

• abdicate
• abrogate
• acetate
• activate
• actuate
• aggravate
• agitate
• alginate
• alienate
• allocate
• amputate
• angulate

Kids Definition

understate

verb

un·​der·​state ˌən-dər-ˈstāt 

1

: to represent as less than is the case

understate taxable income

2

: to state mildly especially on purpose

understatement

-mənt 

noun