# understatement

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˌʌndəˈsteɪtmənt/ · frequency rank #18,210

## Definitions
1. A figure of speech whereby something is made to seem smaller or less important than it actually is, either through phrasing or lack of emphasis, often for ironic effect.
2. An instance of such phrasing or lack of emphasis; an incomplete statement.
3. An incomplete disclosure that intentionally withholds relevant information.

## Etymology
From under- + statement or understate + -ment.

## Common misspellings (22)
`nuderstatement`, `udnerstatement`, `undderstatement`, `underrstatement`, `undersattement`, `undersstatement`, `understaetment`, `understateemnt`, `understatemennt`, `understatementt`, `understatemetn`, `understatemment`, `understatemnet`, `understatmeent`, `understattement`, `understtaement`, `understtatement`, `undertsatement`, `undesrtatement`, `undrestatement`, `unedrstatement`, `unnderstatement`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/understatement