Misestimate

To form an incorrect or inaccurate judgment or calculation about something. This often involves underestimating or overestimating a quantity, value, time, or the significance of something. It implies a lack of precision in the assessment and a divergence from the actual or true measure. The error may arise from insufficient information, faulty reasoning, or a biased perspective. Misestimation can have significant consequences, leading to poor decisions, wasted resources, or unrealized potential, in personal, professional, or financial context. The assessment can range from relatively minor discrepancies to large-scale blunders.

Misestimate meaning with examples

• The construction company *misestimated* the time required for the project, resulting in a significant delay and cost overrun. They hadn't accounted for potential weather interruptions and material delays, thus, making the project difficult. This resulted in the need to hire extra contractors and rent equipment for a longer period, and ultimately a loss.
• In his eagerness to secure the deal, the salesperson *misestimated* the client's budget, offering a service package far beyond their financial capabilities. This, and because of his eagerness, he neglected to fully assess the client's needs. The misestimation ultimately led to the deal falling through, and the company's reputation took a hit because of it.
• The teacher *misestimated* the difficulty level of the exam, causing most of the students to struggle and perform poorly. She underestimated the complexity of the material covered, not realizing the students would struggle to understand the material. As a result, she had to reassess her teaching method to accommodate the students' needs.
• The investors *misestimated* the market's volatility, leading to substantial losses when their portfolio plummeted. They believed in the upward trend. The initial projections of growth proved inaccurate. The investment strategies were not successful, leaving investors with little confidence and a lack of hope in the future.
• The detective *misestimated* the suspect's motives, leading him down the wrong path in the investigation and delaying the case's resolution. He underestimated the depth of the case at first glance. This resulted in an incorrect understanding of the events, and a loss of time. However, the detective corrected his error eventually.