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

Rust and mold on vinyl siding are usually cosmetic but can signal underlying issues needing attention. — The Spruce, 20 Sep. 2026

The underlying lesson of the proverb dates back at least to the time of the first Olympics in Greece — nearly 3,000 years ago, for those counting at home. — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 20 Sep. 2026

Sam Jochim, economist at EFG International, said rates could rise roughly once every three months as underlying inflation approaches 2%. — Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 18 Sep. 2026

The underlying reality was an illicit syndicate that no single system had connected. — Vishal Marria, Forbes.com, 18 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