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

Their everlasting merrymaking might seem warm and fuzzy at first glance, but in truth, there is a gloomy undercurrent to their existence, hiding just beneath the surface. —Tomris Laffly, Variety, 25 May 2025

Beneath the shimmering visceral pleasures of the summer months lies a sinister undercurrent. —James Factora, Them., 22 May 2025

But the coaching fraternity is a small one, and there’s typically a persistent undercurrent of respect amongst the 32 individuals. —Kevin Kurz, New York Times, 21 May 2025

Wolff’s desire for connection is an undercurrent of the film, through his interactions with his brother, Braxton (Bernthal). —Justin Curto, Vulture, 30 Apr. 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