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

undercurrent adjective

Examples of undercurrent in a Sentence

You could be pulled under water by the dangerous undercurrents.

Recent Examples on the Web

In The Chair Company, that undercurrent intensifies. —Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2025

There is an undercurrent of pulsing creative energy that is meticulously refined and barely scratching its surface. —Aaron Davis, Sacbee.com, 6 Oct. 2025

But beneath the joy and relief of reconnecting with family runs a deep undercurrent of anger that a basic human right of connection could be easily – and abruptly – taken away. —Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 3 Oct. 2025

While Tommy grapples with his complicated family life and a still-grieving Cami settles into her new position at the company, the undercurrent of just how dangerous the oil business is can't be ignored. —Julia Moore, PEOPLE, 1 Oct. 2025

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