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

Fans have long felt that the undercurrent of Will’s journey was his sexuality. —Senior Television, Los Angeles Times, 1 Jan. 2026

What lingers more prominently are its undercurrents of woody vetiver, parchment, and ash, building a longer-lasting profile that’s dry, spiced, and sophisticated. —Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 31 Dec. 2025

There’s a political undercurrent to much of Marvel’s work as a celebrated stage and television actor, but the pandemic inspired a mid-career moment of clarity. —Leah Abrams, Vogue, 29 Dec. 2025

Cancer senses emotional undercurrents better than anyone, and family dynamics during the holidays are no exception. —Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 25 Dec. 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