underlying

adjective

un·​der·​ly·​ing ˌən-dər-ˈlī-iŋ How to pronounce underlying (audio)
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

Examples of underlying in a Sentence

the ocean and the underlying rock the underlying differences between democracy and dictatorship
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Goldman Sachs analysts indicated that at least so far, the rise in stock prices has been accompanied by solid underlying growth. Jared Gans, The Hill, 14 Oct. 2025 Aaron Scott, a partner at Dechert in London, noted that CLOs issued since 2013 benefit from improved structural protections put in place in the years following the 2008 Global Financial Crisis — such as lower leverage, stricter ratings criteria and tougher tests on the underlying loan collateral. Hugh Leask, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2025 An OpenAI spokesperson declined to comment on how the company will finance the chips, but the underlying idea is that more computing power will let the company sell more services. Jessica Coacci, Fortune, 13 Oct. 2025 Sugar cravings are normal on their own and don't indicate an underlying health problem. Jamie Johnson, Verywell Health, 10 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for underlying

Word History

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of underlying was in 1611

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Cite this Entry

“Underlying.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underlying. Accessed 15 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

underlying

adjective
un·​der·​ly·​ing ˌən-dər-ˌlī-iŋ How to pronounce underlying (audio)
1
: lying under or below
the underlying rock
2

Medical Definition

underlying

adjective
un·​der·​ly·​ing -ˌlī-iŋ How to pronounce underlying (audio)
: serving as a basis or cause (as of secondary symptoms)
the underlying brain malformation that caused the hydrocephalusR. M. Henig

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