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

Such sadness is the stealthy undercurrent of Lunch Dances. —Brian Schaefer july 7, Literary Hub, 7 July 2025

Good news: amidst the badge-waving and VIP wristband wielding, there's a glorious undercurrent of free events waiting to be discovered. —Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025

There was plenty of good humor and an undercurrent of naughtiness and rebellion. —Emma Sarappo, The Atlantic, 25 June 2025

Community, in every sense, is the undercurrent of my work. —Lizz Schumer, People.com, 2 June 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