underground Definition
- 1beneath the surface of the ground; below ground level
- 2a group or movement organized secretly to work against an existing regime
- 3a railway system that is built below the surface of the ground
Using underground: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "underground" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The underground bunker was designed to withstand a nuclear attack.
Example
The resistance movement operated underground to avoid detection by the authorities.
Example
The London Underground is one of the oldest and most extensive subway systems in the world.
underground Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for underground
Antonyms for underground
Idioms Using underground
to investigate or research something in depth, often in a secretive or clandestine manner
Example
The journalist spent months digging underground to uncover the corruption scandal.
to become popular or successful in the underground music scene
Example
Their debut album hit the underground and quickly gained a cult following.
to keep something secret or hidden from others
Example
The company tried to keep the layoffs underground to avoid negative publicity.
Phrases with underground
to become secret or hidden, especially in order to avoid arrest or persecution
Example
After the failed coup attempt, many of the plotters went underground to avoid being caught.
music that is not part of the mainstream commercial music industry
Example
The city has a thriving underground music scene with many local bands and venues.
economic activity that is not regulated or taxed by the government
Example
The underground economy includes activities such as black market sales, bartering, and unreported income.
Summary: underground in Brief
The term 'underground' [ˌʌndərˈɡraʊnd] can be used as an adjective or noun. As an adjective, it refers to something beneath the surface of the ground, such as an underground bunker. As a noun, it can refer to a group or movement organized secretly to work against an existing regime, or a railway system that is built below the surface of the ground, such as the London Underground. The phrase 'go underground' means to become secret or hidden, while 'underground music' refers to music that is not part of the mainstream commercial music industry.
