understatement

2 definitions • 5 examples

a statement that describes something in a way that makes it seem less important, serious, bad, etc. than it really is, or the act of making such statements:

To say that her resignation was a shock would be an understatement - it caused panic.

"It didn't go well? " "That's the understatement of the year/decade/century. It was a disaster."

a statement that something is much smaller, much less important, or much less serious than it really is:

It's an understatement to say the workers are worried about their futures.

with understatement The report says with understatement, 'there is still much scope for reform'.

understatement of the century/decade/year To say he's been busy would be the understatement of the year.