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
Democrats have won the last two contests for governor and may now enjoy a slight underlying edge in midterms because of their high-turnout base.
—
Craig Gilbert, jsonline.com, 18 July 2025
While the research at this intersection is still emerging, the underlying behavioral patterns are well established.
—Prince Sarpong, The Conversation, 17 July 2025
Fatigue can be a sign of certain underlying medical conditions.
—Aubrey Bailey, Verywell Health, 17 July 2025
Although the stock appears inexpensive at first glance, with valuation indicators significantly lower than the overall market, underlying problems are affecting sentiment: resurgence of tariff concerns, stagnant forward guidance, and tenuous consumer confidence.
—Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for underlying
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Craig Gilbert, jsonline.com, 18 July 2025
While the research at this intersection is still emerging, the underlying behavioral patterns are well established.
—Prince Sarpong, The Conversation, 17 July 2025
Fatigue can be a sign of certain underlying medical conditions.
—Aubrey Bailey, Verywell Health, 17 July 2025
Although the stock appears inexpensive at first glance, with valuation indicators significantly lower than the overall market, underlying problems are affecting sentiment: resurgence of tariff concerns, stagnant forward guidance, and tenuous consumer confidence.
—Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 15 July 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 29 Jul. 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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