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
The death certificate also listed that Type 2 diabetes was a secondary underlying cause.
—
Charna Flam, Peoplemag, 16 Apr. 2024
However, underlying health conditions may be the cause of abnormal voiding.
Diabetes, kidney disease, and sickle cell anemia are among the health conditions that may cause excessive urination.
—Sarah Bradley, Health, 13 Apr. 2024
Under the law, surveillance activity can continue so long as there are active court orders allowing it, even if the underlying statute expires.
—Charlie Savage, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2024
That’s encouraging, but the data also showed underlying trends for inflation were closer to forecasts or just above.
—Zimo Zhong, Quartz, 11 Apr. 2024
The admission guidance seems stricter than usual for an ETN, demanding that applicants hold the underlying asset, unlike the typical ETN issuer expectation.
—Susie Violet Ward, Forbes, 28 Mar. 2024
Dreamlike imagery and visual games are its recurring features, as are an underlying political sensibility and a desire to make the viewer question the world around them.
—Cath Pound, CNN, 27 Mar. 2024
The steep rise in interest rates last year may have helped mask any underlying malaise in the Swiss financial system.
—Bastian Benrath, Fortune Europe, 4 Apr. 2024
While letter grades may remain constant, the underlying numerical score may have gone up or down from the previous year.
—Monica Brich, arkansasonline.com, 2 Apr. 2024
Charna Flam, Peoplemag, 16 Apr. 2024
However, underlying health conditions may be the cause of abnormal voiding.
Diabetes, kidney disease, and sickle cell anemia are among the health conditions that may cause excessive urination.
—Sarah Bradley, Health, 13 Apr. 2024
Under the law, surveillance activity can continue so long as there are active court orders allowing it, even if the underlying statute expires.
—Charlie Savage, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2024
That’s encouraging, but the data also showed underlying trends for inflation were closer to forecasts or just above.
—Zimo Zhong, Quartz, 11 Apr. 2024
The admission guidance seems stricter than usual for an ETN, demanding that applicants hold the underlying asset, unlike the typical ETN issuer expectation.
—Susie Violet Ward, Forbes, 28 Mar. 2024
Dreamlike imagery and visual games are its recurring features, as are an underlying political sensibility and a desire to make the viewer question the world around them.
—Cath Pound, CNN, 27 Mar. 2024
The steep rise in interest rates last year may have helped mask any underlying malaise in the Swiss financial system.
—Bastian Benrath, Fortune Europe, 4 Apr. 2024
While letter grades may remain constant, the underlying numerical score may have gone up or down from the previous year.
—Monica Brich, arkansasonline.com, 2 Apr. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'underlying.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near underlying
Cite this Entry
“Underlying.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underlying. Accessed 19 Apr. 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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