What does "submerged" mean?

1. (underwater) completely under the surface of water or another liquid. 2. (hidden or covered) hidden from view or kept out of sight, like a feeling or a secret. 3. (impoverished) living in very poor conditions, often hidden from the rest of society.

submerged

adj.

US //səbˈmɝdʒd// UK //səbmˈɜːdʒd// sub·merged

1 underwater (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

completely under the surface of water or another liquid.

positioned or remaining below the surface of a liquid, typically water.

Example

The old bridge was completely submerged after the heavy rains caused the river to rise.

Example

Marine archaeologists discovered the remains of a submerged settlement that had been lost to rising sea levels thousands of years ago.
- surfaced
- emergent
2 hidden or covered (adj.)
C1 Advanced Literary

hidden from view or kept out of sight, like a feeling or a secret.

existing below the surface of conscious awareness or public view; obscured by a dominant layer.

Example

He tried to ignore his submerged anger during the long meeting.

Example

The author explores the submerged tensions within the family that only become visible during times of extreme crisis.
- obvious
- apparent

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3 impoverished (adj.)
C2 Proficiency Formal Academic

living in very poor conditions, often hidden from the rest of society.

referring to a social class or group living in extreme poverty and social marginalisation.

Example

The government launched a new program to help the submerged population in the city's poorest districts.

Example

Sociologists often use the term to describe the submerged tenth of the population who remain trapped in a cycle of generational poverty.
- wealthy
- affluent