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

Nostalgic, sentimental and especially attuned to the emotional undercurrents of our surroundings, this is an excellent transit for catching up with close friends, reconnecting with family and having meaningful heart-to-heart conversations. —Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 1 June 2026

How the Show Deals With Grief Despite the undercurrent of death and divorce, the show itself is far from gloomy. —Amy Amatangelo, Parents, 1 June 2026

Aromatically, Herradura shows cooked agave, vanilla, cinnamon, and oak, with orange peel and a faint earthy undercurrent. —Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026

Shop the Marc Jacobs Beauty Collection Now Naturally, Jacobs also infused an undercurrent of rebellion. —Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 28 May 2026

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