underlying
adjective
un·der·ly·ing
ˌən-dər-ˈlī-iŋ 
1
a
: lying beneath or below
the underlying rock is shale
b
: basic, fundamental
an investigation of the underlying issues
2
: evident only on close inspection : implicit
3
: anterior and prior in claim
underlying mortgage
4
: of or being present in deep structure
underlying word order
Synonyms
Examples of underlying in a Sentence
the ocean and the underlying rock
the underlying differences between democracy and dictatorship
Recent Examples on the Web
Although their context may be different, the underlying principles are the same.
—
Anna Anisin, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024
There’s an underlying sense of loyalty between them, even post-divorce, with Apollo revealing that Toya had been asking about his marital affairs.
—Shelby Stewart, Essence, 9 Dec. 2024
These programs aim to reduce shootings by addressing underlying social factors and providing intervention services in at-risk communities.
—Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2024
The big picture: The November jobs report offers a slightly clearer snapshot of the underlying health of the labor market.
—Courtenay Brown, Axios, 6 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for underlying 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Dictionary Entries Near underlying
Cite this Entry
“Underlying.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underlying. Accessed 25 Dec. 2024.
Kids Definition
underlying
adjective
un·der·ly·ing
ˌən-dər-ˌlī-iŋ
1
: lying under or below
the underlying rock
Medical Definition
underlying
adjective
un·der·ly·ing
-ˌlī-iŋ
: serving as a basis or cause (as of secondary symptoms)
the underlying brain malformation that caused the hydrocephalus—R. M. Henig
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share