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

All of us, of course, are well aware that there is a strong undercurrent in our industrial societies of … anti-economic growth attitudes.

—Patrick E. Haggerty

undercurrent adjective

Examples of undercurrent in a Sentence

You could be pulled under water by the dangerous undercurrents.

Recent Examples on the Web

Despite Sam’s success, the season ends with the characters still living in The Boroughs, now with the knowledge of its supernatural undercurrents. —Andrew McGowan, Variety, 23 May 2026

Still, by the afternoon, Mercury will form a supportive sextile to taskmaster Saturn, bringing a grounding undercurrent which could feel like a reality check. —Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 22 May 2026

Riverwork’s apparent arc is one of oblivion—like pressing an ear to the murmur and purl of an undercurrent. —Literary Hub, 21 May 2026

Her shift in direction brought the undercurrent of R&B influence from her earliest releases to the forefront while still asserting her position in pop. —Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 20 May 2026

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