Word
underside
Phoneticsun·der·side, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈəndɝˌsaɪd/
UK/ˌʌndəsˈaɪd/
Countable noun
Definition
n. the side or part of something that faces the ground or is hidden underneath. You often look here to find things that are tucked away or out of sight.
n. the bottom or lower surface of an object, typically the part that is hidden from view or directed toward the ground.
Examples
“The mechanic checked the underside of the car for rust.”
“If you flip over the leaf, you might find tiny insect eggs attached to the underside.”
“The documentary explores the dark underside of the fashion industry, revealing the systemic exploitation that occurs behind the glamour of the runway.”
Examples
simple
“The mechanic checked the underside of the car for rust.”
contextual
“If you flip over the leaf, you might find tiny insect eggs attached to the underside.”
complex
“The documentary explores the dark underside of the fashion industry, revealing the systemic exploitation that occurs behind the glamour of the runway.”
Usage
Often used with the preposition 'of'. Can be used figuratively to describe the hidden, unpleasant aspects of a situation.
Real-World Examples
“Fernandes sent Mbeumo through to score a looping goal that went in off the underside of the bar with eight minutes remaining.” “Adeniran fired off the underside of the bar and Celtic defended with four centre-backs as Liam Scales and Dane Murray came on to join Trusty and Cameron Carter-Vickers.” Etymology
From under- + side.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/underside