underbelly

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noun

Definition of UNDERBELLY

1

a social sphere that exists outside of the mainstream <unable to get work in mainstream films, the actor ended up in Hollywood's underbelly—the porn industry>

Synonyms demimonde, demiworld, half-world, underbelly, underworld

Related Words abyss, depths

2

the side or part facing downward from something <the underbelly of the old submarine is in bad shape>

Synonyms underbelly, underbody, underpart, underside, undersurface

Related Words belly, sole, toe; base, floor, foot, ground, seat, underpinning; undercarriage

Near Antonyms acme, apex, climax, crest, crown, culmination, height, high-water mark, meridian, peak, pinnacle, roof, summit; cusp, head, point, tip, tip-top, zenith

Antonyms face, top

3

a vulnerable point <the vast, thinly guarded southern border was obviously the underbelly of the nation's line of defense>

Synonyms back, chink, jugular, soft spot, underbelly

Related Words downfall, ruin, undoing; hamartia, tragic flaw