undercurrent

noun

un·​der·​cur·​rent ˈən-dər-ˌkər-ənt 

-ˌkə-rənt

1

: a current below the upper currents or surface

2

: a hidden opinion, feeling, or tendency often contrary to the one publicly shown

undercurrent adjective

Examples of undercurrent in a Sentence

You could be pulled under water by the dangerous undercurrents.

Recent Examples on the Web

This year, many of the Capital’s parties went on per the crowded usual, with just a slightly uneasy undercurrent. —Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 30 Apr. 2025

The exchanges are all pretty cordial, albeit with a strong undercurrent of tension. —Matt Cabral, EW.com, 27 Apr. 2025

The undercurrent to this kind of coverage is troubling: that Sinners was somehow not worthy of a large budget, or that Coogler didn’t deserve a creatively enriching deal. —David Sims, The Atlantic, 25 Apr. 2025

The Future of Sustainable Leadership: Lessons From Patagonia’s Journey As the morning marine layer lifts off the Californian coast, Patagonia’s headquarters buzzes with an undercurrent of determination. —Alexander Puutio, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1683, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for undercurrent

• countercurrent
• intercurrent
• overcurrent
• photocurrent
• concurrent
• decurrent
• noncurrent
• recurrent
• current

Kids Definition

undercurrent

noun

un·​der·​cur·​rent -ˌkər-ənt 

-ˌkə-rənt

1

: a current below the upper currents or surface

undercurrents of water

2

: a hidden current of opinion or feeling often different from the one openly shown