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

An undercurrent of frustration from the across-the-board cuts this year — and still more planned for next year — has settled in at the Capitol as the session threatens to extend into April. —Idaho Statesman, 17 Mar. 2026

The emotional undercurrent Money is rarely just about the dollars and cents. —Bruce Helmer, Twin Cities, 14 Mar. 2026

Then, there is the undercurrent of hostility between Whitney and Jen. —Kathleen Walsh, Vulture, 14 Mar. 2026

Each event was charged with undercurrents of romance and flirtation. —Katherine Moses, The Conversation, 13 Mar. 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