underbelly

noun

un·​der·​bel·​ly ˈən-dər-ˌbe-lē How to pronounce underbelly (audio)
1
: a vulnerable area
also : a corrupt or sordid part
probing the underbelly of the entertainment industry
2
: the underside of a body or mass

Examples of underbelly in a Sentence

They exposed the underbelly of the nation's economic policy. the sordid underbelly of city life
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.
Also neat is that half of the underbelly is ridged, for some added texture. Kristin Canning, SELF, 9 Jan. 2025 The result is a sordid yet realistic portrait of the underbelly of Seoul’s glamorous Gangnam district. Regina Kim, Forbes, 19 Nov. 2024 To look at an underbelly of a subculture, to me, is fascinatingly fun. Julie Hinds, Detroit Free Press, 14 Nov. 2024 The whole look at the underbelly of promotions in country music — that was very intriguing. Melonee Hurt, The Tennessean, 15 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for underbelly 

Word History

First Known Use

1942, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of underbelly was in 1942

Dictionary Entries Near underbelly

Cite this Entry

“Underbelly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underbelly. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

underbelly

noun
un·​der·​bel·​ly ˈən-dər-ˌbel-ē How to pronounce underbelly (audio)
: the underpart of a body or mass
the underbelly of a bomber
also : an area open to attack or damage
the army's underbelly
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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