underwater
uhn-duh-WAW-tuh
Underwater (adjective) means existing or happening beneath the surface of water. Example: “The diver switched on an underwater torch to explore the dark cave.”
adjective
1
Existing or happening beneath the surface of water.
"The diver switched on an underwater torch to explore the dark cave."
"Underwater cables carry internet traffic between the continents."
"They filmed an underwater documentary about coral reefs."
2
Owing more on a loan or asset than it is currently worth.
"Because prices fell, the couple found their flat was underwater and they could not sell."
"If your car loan leaves you underwater, selling it will not cover the debt."
"After the crash, many homeowners were underwater on their mortgages."
adverb
1
Below the surface of water.
"How long can you hold your breath underwater?"
"The children loved opening their eyes underwater at the swimming pool."
"The submarine stayed underwater for weeks at a time."
How to use underwater
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishBelow the surface of the water, or, financially, owing more than something is worth.
Common pairings
underwater mortgage
underwater camera
stay underwater
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Word forms
- Plural
- underwaters
- Third person singular
- underwaters
- Past tense
- underwatered
- Comparative
- more underwater
- Superlative
- most underwater
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The diver switched on an _____ torch to explore the dark cave.
Etymology
From under plus water.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
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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