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

The joy of learning is an undercurrent throughout the efforts to increase the share of Americans with college degrees or other credentials that lead to measurably better economic outcomes. —Jamie Merisotis, Forbes.com, 11 June 2025

Even strong swimmers need life jackets against powerful undercurrents. —Bestreviews, Mercury News, 30 May 2025

The Ciara-West beef was just one of a few undercurrents of tension in Summer House season nine, and reheated beef at that. —Bethy Squires, Vulture, 30 May 2025

Beforehand, attendees got a primer about dandyism, the exhibition’s undercurrent. —Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 5 May 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