undercurrent

noun

un·​der·​cur·​rent ˈən-dər-ˌkər-ənt 

-ˌkə-rənt

1

: a current below the upper currents or surface

2

: a hidden opinion, feeling, or tendency often contrary to the one publicly shown

undercurrent adjective

Examples of undercurrent in a Sentence

You could be pulled under water by the dangerous undercurrents.

Recent Examples on the Web

In person, Wood is funny but sedate, speaking in a deadpan carried along by a prankish undercurrent. —Ismail Muhammad, New York Times, 20 Feb. 2025

There has yet to be that feral feeling at Elland Road this season, that crackling undercurrent of Leeds United against the world. —Beren Cross, The Athletic, 16 Feb. 2025

Her debut fall 2025 collection for the brand is to embed references to polo gear, turning them into everyday attire with a preppy undercurrent. —Martino Carrera, WWD, 16 Jan. 2025

One of the American concerns in Syria that ran as an undercurrent to any news of the Assad regime has remained the fate of journalist Austin Tice, who disappeared in Syria in 2012. —Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 8 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1683, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for undercurrent

• countercurrent
• intercurrent
• overcurrent
• photocurrent
• concurrent
• decurrent
• noncurrent
• recurrent
• current

Kids Definition

undercurrent

noun

un·​der·​cur·​rent -ˌkər-ənt 

-ˌkə-rənt

1

: a current below the upper currents or surface

undercurrents of water

2

: a hidden current of opinion or feeling often different from the one openly shown