underworld

noun

un·​der·​world ˈən-dər-ˌwərld 

1

: the place of departed souls : hades

2

archaic : earth

3

: the side of the earth opposite to one : antipodes

4

: a social sphere below the level of ordinary life

the town's seedy underworld

especially : the world of organized crime

Synonyms

• demimonde
• demiworld
• half-world
• netherworld
• underbelly

Examples of underworld in a Sentence

a magazine article taking an insightful look at the underworld inhabited by street people

Recent Examples on the Web

With no money, no allies, and nowhere to turn, Gloria is forced to flee and enter the dangerous underworld of money laundering. —Veronica Villafañe, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024

While not much is known about the film’s genre or plot, it’s said to follow a journalist who takes on an underworld of crime and changes television forever. —Matt Grobar, Deadline, 22 Oct. 2024

Living within, and the protector of this underworld, was Chaac, the god of rain, fertility and agriculture. —Martin Broen, Smithsonian Magazine, 1 Oct. 2024

As The Penguin’s representatives of Gotham’s underworld, Colin Farrell and Cristin Milioti can do bad all by themselves. —Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 19 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing underworld

• the underworld

Kids Definition

underworld

noun

un·​der·​world ˈən-dər-ˌwərld 

1

: the place of the souls of the dead

2

: the side of the earth opposite to one

3

: the world of organized crime