underbelly Definition
- 1the soft underside or abdomen of an animal's body
- 2a vulnerable or weak area, especially in a system or organization
Using underbelly: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "underbelly" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The underbelly of the fish was white and smooth.
Example
The underbelly of the company's finances was exposed in the audit report.
Example
The city's underbelly is often ignored by tourists.
underbelly Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for underbelly
- vulnerability
- weak point
- soft spot
- Achilles' heel
Phrases with underbelly
the unpleasant, hidden aspects of something
Example
The documentary explores the dark underbelly of the fashion industry.
the criminal element of a society or group
Example
The police are cracking down on the criminal underbelly of the city.
the hidden or less visible aspects of politics, especially those involving corruption or unethical behavior
Example
The journalist's investigation uncovered the political underbelly of the election campaign.
Summary: underbelly in Brief
The term 'underbelly' [ˈʌndərˌbɛli] refers to the soft underside of an animal's body or a vulnerable or weak area in a system or organization. It can be used literally, as in 'The underbelly of the fish was white and smooth,' or figuratively, as in 'The underbelly of the company's finances was exposed in the audit report.' Phrases like 'dark underbelly' and 'criminal underbelly' describe the hidden or unpleasant aspects of something.
