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

An undercurrent of subversion ran through many collections. —Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 25 June 2025

Yet alongside that gratitude, there's also a quiet undercurrent of worry — the kind that often comes with deep love. —Jordan Greene, People.com, 24 June 2025

The undercurrents of the 2016 finals flowed below the surface of Warriors-Cavs like an Atlantic riptide. —David Aldridge, New York Times, 22 June 2025

With galloping horses, flying arrows, ancient magic, and a powerful undercurrent of the love between mother and daughter, Brave ticks all of the Pixar boxes and then some. —Meg Walters, EW.com, 19 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