understate
//ˌʌndərˈsteɪt//
Verb
understateInfinitive
understatePresent tense
understatedPast tense
understatedPast participle
understatingPresent participle
understatesThird-person singular
1
To describe or represent something as being smaller, less important, or less serious than it actually is.
The report understates the severity of the problem.
2
To express something in restrained or subtle terms, often for effect or modesty.
To say she was disappointed would be understating it.