underestimate importance

[/ˌʌndərˈɛstɪmeɪt ɪmˈpɔːrtəns/]
verb phrase
subestimar a importância
1. to regard something as less important, valuable, or significant than it actually is; to fail to recognize the true worth or impact of something
Don't underestimate the importance of regular exercise for your mental health.
Não subestime a importância do exercício regular para sua saúde mental.
2. to make an error in judgment by assigning insufficient weight or priority to something
Many businesses underestimate the importance of customer feedback.
Muitas empresas subestimam a importância do feedback dos clientes.
This phrase is commonly used in both American business and Brazilian professional contexts to emphasize the critical nature of planning, preparation, or interpersonal skills. In Brazil, there's particular emphasis on the importance of relationships (relacionamento), while American usage often focuses on strategic or technical aspects.
NYC Slang
don't sleep on it / don't underestimate it
Synonyms / Sinônimos
downplay importanceminimize significancediscount valueoverlook importancefail to appreciate
Antonyms / Antônimos
overestimate importancerecognize importanceappreciate valueacknowledge significance

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
subestimar a importância
most common usage in formal and informal contexts
Rio de Janeiro
subestimar a importância / não dar importância devida
colloquial variant emphasizing lack of proper attention
São Paulo
subestimar a importância
formal business and academic contexts
Portugal
subestimar a importância
identical usage, widely understood across Portuguese-speaking regions

Related Words

undervaluedownplayneglecttrivializemisjudge

Related Idioms & Phrases

don't underestimate the power of
never underestimate the importance of
the importance of cannot be overstated
fail to appreciate
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