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
Examples of underlying in a Sentence
the ocean and the underlying rock
the underlying differences between democracy and dictatorship
Recent Examples on the Web
Many describe an underlying sense of fear for what may come next, especially as LGBTQ non-profits and institutions are at risk of losing funding, both from the government and from corporations who have walked back diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.
—
Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 13 June 2025
Such a cop-out is the underlying, depressing reality with all of these remakes: No change can be too daring, no update too significant.
—David Sims, The Atlantic, 13 June 2025
Some people also have high levels without an underlying medical condition.1
What are the symptoms of high testosterone?
—Brittany Dube, Health, 13 June 2025
Our best guess for the underlying cause is that numerous articles on the Air India crash mention Airbus as Boeing's main competitor.
—ArsTechnica, 12 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for underlying
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Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 13 June 2025
Such a cop-out is the underlying, depressing reality with all of these remakes: No change can be too daring, no update too significant.
—David Sims, The Atlantic, 13 June 2025
Some people also have high levels without an underlying medical condition.1
What are the symptoms of high testosterone?
—Brittany Dube, Health, 13 June 2025
Our best guess for the underlying cause is that numerous articles on the Air India crash mention Airbus as Boeing's main competitor.
—ArsTechnica, 12 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for underlying
Cite this Entry
“Underlying.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underlying. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
R. M. HenigLove words? Need even more definitions?
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