underlying

1 of 2

adjective

un·​der·​ly·​ing ˌən-dər-ˈlī-iŋ 

1

a

: lying beneath or below

the underlying rock is shale

b

: basic, fundamental

an investigation of the underlying issues

2

: evident only on close inspection : implicit

3

: anterior and prior in claim

underlying mortgage

4

: of or being present in deep structure

underlying word order

underlying

2 of 2

present participle of underlie

Synonyms of underlying

Adjective

• basic
• rudimentary
• elementary
• fundamental
• introductory

Examples of underlying in a Sentence

Adjective

the ocean and the underlying rock

the underlying differences between democracy and dictatorship

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

An underlying crystal compressed the material and helped stabilize its atomic arrangement. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 26 Sep. 2026

Both shows attempted to offer a perspective on authentic Italian style, with Milan's incongruities as an underlying theme. — José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 26 Sep. 2026

Visio can pull information from Excel, SQL Server, and other databases, allowing diagrams to update as their underlying data changes. — Stackcommerce Team, PC Magazine, 26 Sep. 2026

Investors put money in to accelerate growth, not to fix underlying problems. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 25 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for underlying

• applying
• belying
• complying
• decrying
• defying
• denying
• implying
• outlying
• relying
• replying
• supplying
• undying

Kids Definition

underlying

adjective

un·​der·​ly·​ing ˌən-dər-ˌlī-iŋ 

1

: lying under or below

the underlying rock

2

: fundamental entry 1 sense 1

Medical Definition

underlying

adjective

un·​der·​ly·​ing -ˌlī-iŋ 

: serving as a basis or cause (as of secondary symptoms)

the underlying brain malformation that caused the hydrocephalus

—R. M. Henig