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
Synonyms
Examples of underlying in a Sentence
the ocean and the underlying rock
the underlying differences between democracy and dictatorship
Recent Examples on the Web
There's also the vast and the invisible underlying logic telling everything how to function.
—
PCMAG, 7 Nov. 2024
Low iron can cause anemia or indicate an underlying condition affecting how your body stores or uses iron.
—Lindsay Curtis, Health, 5 Nov. 2024
The risks are particularly high for anyone with an underlying health condition such as sleep apnea or who engages in behavior that puts additional stress on one's physical health, such as smoking or not eating well, Asfour said.
—Stephanie Innes, The Arizona Republic, 5 Nov. 2024
Wise reported last month that its underlying income was £325.4 million ($424 million) in the three months ended September, a 22% jump from a year earlier.
—Robert Olsen, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for underlying 
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PCMAG, 7 Nov. 2024
Low iron can cause anemia or indicate an underlying condition affecting how your body stores or uses iron.
—Lindsay Curtis, Health, 5 Nov. 2024
The risks are particularly high for anyone with an underlying health condition such as sleep apnea or who engages in behavior that puts additional stress on one's physical health, such as smoking or not eating well, Asfour said.
—Stephanie Innes, The Arizona Republic, 5 Nov. 2024
Wise reported last month that its underlying income was £325.4 million ($424 million) in the three months ended September, a 22% jump from a year earlier.
—Robert Olsen, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for underlying
Dictionary Entries Near underlying
Cite this Entry
“Underlying.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underlying. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
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?
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