Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

gross-understatement

Noun

/ɡroʊs ˌʌndərˈsteɪtmənt/

Definition

An understatement that is significantly below the actual reality or the severity of a situation.

Examples

Describing the devastating impact of the storm as ‘a little bad weather’ is a gross understatement.
His claim that the project was ‘a bit challenging’ was really a gross understatement, as it was the most difficult task he had ever faced.

Meaning

Gross understatement refers to a situation where a statement minimizes the truth to such an extent that it becomes almost ridiculous. It can often imply that the reality is far worse than the description provided.