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

Sometimes, this undercurrent of gloom tips over into outright nihilism. — Alison Herman, Variety, 7 Aug. 2026

An undercurrent of concern for executives, reps and audiences alike is the improbability of repeating 2026’s relentless success. — Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 7 Aug. 2026

An undercurrent of friction brought an edge to the breezy vibe, with Edwards often acting as the awkward buffer between Lucey and Barberie, who did little to disguise their dislike of each other. — Los Angeles Times, 4 Aug. 2026

But Italy’s quick move to pause some of the free movement privileges afforded to Spain under Schengen rules exposed the tense undercurrents tied to migration and security within the European Union. — Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 3 Aug. 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