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adjective A2 Elementary Common

underwater

uhn-duh-WAW-tuh

Underwater (adjective) means existing or happening beneath the surface of water. Example: “They filmed an underwater documentary about coral reefs.”

adjective
1
Existing or happening beneath the surface of water.
"They filmed an underwater documentary about coral reefs."
2
Owing more on a loan or asset than it is currently worth.
"After the crash, many homeowners were underwater on their mortgages."
adverb
1
Below the surface of water.
"The submarine stayed underwater for weeks at a time."

How to use underwater

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishBelow the surface of the water, or, financially, owing more than something is worth.

Common pairings
underwater mortgage underwater camera stay underwater

Word forms

more underwater comparative, more underwater comparative, underwatered past tense, underwaters plural, underwaters singular, most underwater superlative, most underwater superlative

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Test yourself on “underwater” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

They filmed an _____ documentary about coral reefs.

Etymology

From under plus water.

Antonyms

above water above-water overwater

Related words

Rhymes for underwater

See all rhymes for underwater →

Frequently asked questions

What does “underwater” mean?

The word “underwater” means existing or happening beneath the surface of water. In plain terms, below the surface of the water, or, financially, owing more than something is worth.

How do you pronounce “underwater”?

“Underwater” is pronounced uhn-duh-WAW-tuh (/ʌndɚˈwɔtəɹ/ in IPA).

How do you use “underwater” in a sentence?

Here is “underwater” used in a sentence: “They filmed an underwater documentary about coral reefs.”

What is the opposite of “underwater”?

The opposite of “underwater” — its antonyms — are above water, above-water and overwater.

What part of speech is “underwater”?

Depending on how it is used, “underwater” can be an adjective and an adverb.

Is “underwater” a common word?

“Underwater” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.

How many meanings does “underwater” have?

“Underwater” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: existing or happening beneath the surface of water.

What is the difference between underwater and submerged?

Both mean below the surface of water. 'Submerged' specifically means completely covered by water, while 'underwater' describes anything existing or happening beneath the surface, whether fully or partly.

Is underwater one word or two?

'Underwater' is written as one word, whether it is used as an adjective, as in 'underwater camera,' or as an adverb, as in 'swim underwater.'

What is the difference between underwater and undersea?

Both refer to being beneath the surface of water. 'Undersea' relates specifically to the ocean or sea, as in undersea cables, while 'underwater' applies to any body of water.

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