fundamental

1 of 2

adjective

fun·​da·​men·​tal ˌfən-də-ˈmen-tᵊl 

1

a

: serving as a basis supporting existence or determining essential structure or function : basic

Responsibility is fundamental to democracy.

The Constitution ensures our fundamental rights.

b

: serving as an original or generating source : primary

a discovery fundamental to modern computers

2

a

: of or relating to essential structure, function, or facts : radical

fundamental change

also : of or dealing with general principles rather than practical application

fundamental science

b

: adhering to fundamentalism

a preacher who is evangelical, Bible-teaching, and fundamental

3

: of central importance : principal

fundamental purpose

such fundamental events as birth, marriage, and death

4

: belonging to one's innate or ingrained characteristics : deep-rooted

her fundamental good humor

5

: of, relating to, or produced by the lowest component of a complex vibration (see vibration sense 1)

fundamental

2 of 2

noun

1

: something fundamental

especially : one of the minimum constituents without which a thing or a system would not be what it is

2

a

: the principal musical tone produced by vibration (as of a string or column of air) on which a series of higher harmonics is based

b

: the root of a chord

3

: the harmonic component of a complex wave that has the lowest frequency and commonly the greatest amplitude

Synonyms

Adjective

• basic
• rudimentary
• elementary
• introductory

Noun

• principles
• elements
• grammar

Choose the Right Synonym for fundamental

essential, fundamental, vital, cardinal mean so important as to be indispensable.

essential implies belonging to the very nature of a thing and therefore being incapable of removal without destroying the thing itself or its character.

conflict is essential in drama

fundamental applies to something that is a foundation without which an entire system or complex whole would collapse.

fundamental principles of algebra

vital suggests something that is necessary to a thing's continued existence or operation.

cut off from vital supplies

cardinal suggests something on which an outcome turns or depends.

a cardinal rule in buying a home

Examples of fundamental in a Sentence

Adjective

The Constitution ensures our fundamental rights.

There's a fundamental difference between these two political parties.

These ideas are of fundamental importance.

The revolution brought about a fundamental change in the country.

We need to make some fundamental changes in the way we do business.

We need to address these problems on a more fundamental level.

Noun

all students at the school of music must take a course in the fundamentals of their chosen art

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Critics and rights groups argued that both the ban and the bill function as tools for censorship, threatening freedom of expression, press freedom and fundamental rights. —Nir Kshetri, The Conversation, 14 Sep. 2025

Several reports and analyses in the immediate aftermath of Israel’s September 9 airstrike on Doha observed how the Israeli strike had led the Arab Gulf states to ask fundamental questions about their existing security arrangements with the United States. —Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025

Noun

Trojans head coach Elan Bain said focusing on their fundamentals was a key to victory. —Zachary McMahon, Boston Herald, 13 Sep. 2025

This honesty, paired with a focus on the fundamentals, helped his students achieve realistic, incremental progress. —Maria Williams, USA Today, 12 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English, borrowed from Late Latin fundāmentālis "serving as a foundation," from Latin fundāmentum "foundation, basis" + -ālis -al entry 1 — more at fundament

Noun

derivative of fundamental entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Noun

1617, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing fundamental

• fundamental group
• fundamental law
• fundamental particle

Rhymes for fundamental

• accidental
• compartmental
• continental
• detrimental
• elemental
• governmental
• incidental
• incremental
• instrumental
• interdental
• monumental
• nonjudgmental

Kids Definition

fundamental

1 of 2 adjective

fun·​da·​men·​tal ˌfən-də-ˈment-ᵊl 

1

: being or forming a foundation : basic, essential

a discovery fundamental to modern science

our fundamental rights

2

: of or relating to essential structure or function : radical

fundamental change

3

: of, relating to, or produced by the lowest part of a complex vibration

4

: of central importance : principal

fundamental purpose

fundamentally

-ᵊl-ē 

adverb

fundamental

2 of 2 noun

1

: something fundamental : a basic part

fundamentals of arithmetic

2

: the part of a complex wave that has the lowest frequency and commonly the greatest amplitude

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English fundamental "serving as a base or source of support," from Latin fundamentalis "of a foundation," from fundamentum "foundation," derived from fundus "bottom, base" — related to found entry 2, fund

Medical Definition

fundamental

noun

fun·​da·​men·​tal ˌfən-də-ˈment-ᵊl 

: the principal musical tone produced by vibration (as of a string or column of air) on which a series of higher overtones is based