underlying
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
Examples of underlying in a Sentence
the ocean and the underlying rock
the underlying differences between democracy and dictatorship
Recent Examples on the Web
Treatments vary and are generally focused on relieving any underlying condition.
—
Anju Goel, Verywell Health, 26 Apr. 2025
Ultimately, the resumption of collections on student debt, without addressing underlying issues like the gender pay gap and predatory lending, could exacerbate gender inequality.
—Shahar Ziv, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
Both were previously heathy with no underlying conditions, according to Texas DSHS.
MORE: What to know about measles breakthrough cases and why vaccination is still important
Measles can be especially dangerous for infants, children, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems.
—Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 25 Apr. 2025
His health has been an underlying issue leading up the trial, but it will not be discussed in front of the jurors.
—Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 24 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for underlying
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.
Anju Goel, Verywell Health, 26 Apr. 2025
Ultimately, the resumption of collections on student debt, without addressing underlying issues like the gender pay gap and predatory lending, could exacerbate gender inequality.
—Shahar Ziv, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
Both were previously heathy with no underlying conditions, according to Texas DSHS.
MORE: What to know about measles breakthrough cases and why vaccination is still important
Measles can be especially dangerous for infants, children, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems.
—Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 25 Apr. 2025
His health has been an underlying issue leading up the trial, but it will not be discussed in front of the jurors.
—Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 24 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for underlying
Cite this Entry
“Underlying.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underlying. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
underlying
adjective
un·der·ly·ing
ˌən-dər-ˌlī-iŋ
1
: lying under or below
the underlying rock
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
R. M. HenigLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share