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

With the first sign of the warming undercurrents, bass, which congregate in the deeper waters of a lake in winter, move toward shore. —Anthony A. Ciuffa, Outdoor Life, 7 Aug. 2025

While national opinion clearly condemned the violence, a noticeable undercurrent emerged online. —Lars Daniel, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2025

Chipper, maybe a little defensive, impeccably bouncy pop song with dark undercurrent. —Christopher Bonanos, Vulture, 18 July 2025

In his view, Rabanne’s discography resonates today, mentioning how pop stars from Lady Gaga to The Weeknd are prized for music with an ’80s undercurrent. —Miles Socha, Footwear News, 9 July 2025

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