underlying
Describes a reason, cause, or idea that is important but hidden under the surface of a situation. It refers to the most basic or fundamental part of something that is not immediately obvious.
Examples
3 of 5The underlying problem with the computer was a loose wire.
The underlying problem with the computer was a loose wire.
The government needs to address the underlying causes of unemployment.
The government needs to address the underlying causes of unemployment.
I think there's an underlying reason why she's acting so strange.
I think there's an underlying reason why she's acting so strange.
Antonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of an iceberg. The part you see is the surface, but the much larger part 'lying under' the water is the underlying part that supports everything else.
Quick Quiz
Doctors are trying to find the ______ cause of his constant headaches.
Correct!
The correct answer is: underlying
Examples
The underlying problem with the computer was a loose wire.
everydayThe underlying problem with the computer was a loose wire.
The government needs to address the underlying causes of unemployment.
formalThe government needs to address the underlying causes of unemployment.
I think there's an underlying reason why she's acting so strange.
informalI think there's an underlying reason why she's acting so strange.
This research examines the underlying principles of social behavior.
academicThis research examines the underlying principles of social behavior.
The company's underlying profit has increased despite the slow market.
businessThe company's underlying profit has increased despite the slow market.
Antonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
underlying health condition
underlying health condition
underlying assumptions
underlying assumptions
the underlying trend
the underlying trend
Often Confused With
Underlining is the act of drawing a line under text, while underlying refers to a hidden cause or basis.
Usage Notes
This word is most often used to describe causes, problems, or reasons that are not visible at first glance. It is very common in academic, medical, and financial writing.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes use 'under' as an adjective instead of 'underlying' (e.g., 'the under reason' instead of 'the underlying reason').
Memory Tip
Think of an iceberg. The part you see is the surface, but the much larger part 'lying under' the water is the underlying part that supports everything else.
Word Origin
From the Old English words 'under' (below) and 'licgan' (to lie/rest).
Grammar Patterns
Quick Quiz
Doctors are trying to find the ______ cause of his constant headaches.
Correct!
The correct answer is: underlying
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
Related Words
to
A1Used to indicate the place, person, or thing that someone or something moves toward. It can also mark the recipient of an action or the limit of a range.
and
A1A primary conjunction used to connect words, phrases, or clauses that are grammatically equal. It indicates addition, a sequence of events, or a relationship between two things.
a
A1A word used before a singular noun that is not specific or is being mentioned for the first time. It is used only before words that begin with a consonant sound to indicate one of something.
that
A1This word is a demonstrative pronoun used to indicate a specific person, object, or idea that is further away in space or time from the speaker. It is also used to refer back to something that has already been mentioned or to introduce a clause that identifies something.
I
A1The pronoun 'I' is used by a speaker or writer to refer to themselves as the subject of a verb. It is the first-person singular subject pronoun in English and is always capitalized regardless of its position in a sentence.
for
A1Used to show who is intended to have or use something, or to explain the purpose or reason for an action. It is also frequently used to indicate a specific duration of time.
not
A1A function word used to express negation or denial. It is primarily used to make a sentence or phrase negative, often following an auxiliary verb or the verb 'to be'.
with
A1A preposition used to indicate that people or things are together, in the same place, or performing an action together. It can also describe the instrument used to perform an action or a characteristic that someone or something has.
he
A1A pronoun used to refer to a male person or animal that has already been mentioned or is easily identified. It functions as the subject of a sentence.
you
A1Used to refer to the person or people that the speaker is addressing. It is the second-person pronoun used for both singular and plural subjects and objects.
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