fun·da·men·tal
ˌfən-də-ˈmen-tᵊl 
1
2
a
: of or relating to essential structure, function, or facts : radical
fundamental change
also
: of or dealing with general principles rather than practical application
fundamental science
b
: adhering to fundamentalism
a preacher who is evangelical, Bible-teaching, and fundamental
3
: of central importance : principal
fundamental purpose
such fundamental events as birth, marriage, and death
4
: belonging to one's innate or ingrained characteristics : deep-rooted
her fundamental good humor
5
: of, relating to, or produced by the lowest component of a complex vibration (see vibration sense 1)
1
: something fundamental
especially
: one of the minimum constituents without which a thing or a system would not be what it is
2
a
: the principal musical tone produced by vibration (as of a string or column of air) on which a series of higher harmonics is based
b
: the root of a chord
3
: the harmonic component of a complex wave that has the lowest frequency and commonly the greatest amplitude
Synonyms
Examples of fundamental in a Sentence
Adjective
The Constitution ensures our fundamental rights.
There's a fundamental difference between these two political parties.
These ideas are of fundamental importance.
The revolution brought about a fundamental change in the country.
We need to make some fundamental changes in the way we do business.
We need to address these problems on a more fundamental level.
Noun
all students at the school of music must take a course in the fundamentals of their chosen art
Recent Examples on the Web
Greg Kihlstrom, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
There are fundamental values on the line, even beyond democracy — women’s rights, civil rights, the safety of immigrants.
—Mark Z. Barabak, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2024
Melissa Houston, Forbes, 3 Nov. 2024
The company’s fundamentals have nothing to do with why the stock is traded.
—Matt Egan, CNN, 1 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for fundamental 
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Adjective
This layer is essential for storing large volumes of data, fundamental for future analysis and strategic planning.
—Greg Kihlstrom, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
There are fundamental values on the line, even beyond democracy — women’s rights, civil rights, the safety of immigrants.
—Mark Z. Barabak, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2024
Noun
This guidance not only helps founders secure funding but also equips them to demonstrate the strong financial fundamentals that VCs look for, bridging the funding gap in a sustainable way.
—Melissa Houston, Forbes, 3 Nov. 2024
The company’s fundamentals have nothing to do with why the stock is traded.
—Matt Egan, CNN, 1 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for fundamental
Dictionary Entries Near fundamental
Cite this Entry
“Fundamental.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fundamental. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
fundamental
1 of 2 adjective
fun·da·men·tal
ˌfən-də-ˈment-ᵊl
1
2
: of or relating to essential structure or function : radical
fundamental change
3
: of, relating to, or produced by the lowest part of a complex vibration
4
: of central importance : principal
fundamental purpose
fundamental
2 of 2 noun1
: something fundamental : a basic part
fundamentals of arithmetic
2
: the part of a complex wave that has the lowest frequency and commonly the greatest amplitude
Etymology
Adjective
Middle English fundamental "serving as a base or source of support," from Latin fundamentalis "of a foundation," from fundamentum "foundation," derived from fundus "bottom, base" — related to found entry 2, fund
Medical Definition
fundamental
noun
fun·da·men·tal
ˌfən-də-ˈment-ᵊl
: the principal musical tone produced by vibration (as of a string or column of air) on which a series of higher overtones is based
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