Ursula K. Le Guin is often considered underrated in mainstream literary circles, despite her profound influence on science fiction and fantasy.
Her works, such as *The Left Hand of Darkness* and *The Dispossessed*, explore deep philosophical themes like gender, anarchism, and ecology, yet she is sometimes overlooked in favor of more commercially popular authors. However, her critical acclaim and devoted readership suggest she is more "underappreciated" than "underrated." Her legacy continues to grow as more readers and scholars recognize her contributions to literature and thought.