underplaying
verb (present participle)UK /ˌʌn.dəˈpleɪ.ɪŋ/
US /ˌʌn.dɚˈpleɪ.ɪŋ/
Making something seem less important or smaller than it really is.
She kept underplaying her role in the rescue, saying anyone would have done the same.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. Acting a role in a calm, restrained way instead of with big emotions.
The actor's underplaying made the quiet scene feel painfully real.
3. Playing a card lower than needed in a card game, or playing a shot softly in sports.
He lost the trick by underplaying his ace.
4. Giving something less attention or emphasis than it deserves.
The report was criticized for underplaying the risks.