Misappraised

To have evaluated or judged something incorrectly, typically by underestimating its value, importance, or character. The act of misappraising involves forming a flawed understanding or opinion, often leading to inappropriate actions or conclusions. This can apply to tangible items, abstract concepts, or people. The consequence of a misappraisal can range from minor inconvenience to significant repercussions, depending on the context and the scope of the misjudgment. It emphasizes an error in judgment due to flawed information, incomplete assessment, or a bias in the evaluation process.

Misappraised meaning with examples

• The art collector misappraised the painting, believing it to be a cheap imitation, and almost discarded it. Later, an expert revealed its significant historical value and original authorship, proving how wrong he had been. His mistake in the evaluation, costing him a fortune, was due to the lack of proper inspection. His initial assessment would have brought nothing but regrets.
• The military command misappraised the enemy's strength, leading to a poorly planned offensive and heavy casualties. Their underestimation of the resources made it into a swift and decisive victory by the defending side, costing many lives. Intelligence failures compounded this incorrect appraisal.
• The new company misappraised the market demand for its product, resulting in significant financial losses. They overestimated the public's desire to acquire their goods or services. Extensive promotion and lowering prices proved futile, demonstrating the severity of their initial judgment error.
• The teacher misappraised the student's potential, assuming he lacked the ability to succeed, and offered minimal encouragement. Later, the student surpassed all expectations, showing how wrong their assessment was. The educator failed to see the young pupil's capability.
• The auction house misappraised the antique furniture, labeling it as 'ordinary' instead of 'unique,' it sold for a tiny fraction of its true worth. A collector, aware of the piece's rarity, purchased it at a bargain, leading to severe loss. The poor evaluation generated a bad outcome.