Search Dictionary
Definition of underbelly

underbelly

/ˈʌndərˌbɛli/
un · der · bel · ly
Plural:underbellies
JUMP TO:

underbelly Lexical Profile

underbelly Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

An area, aspect, or characteristic that is hidden, unpleasant, corrupt, or particularly vulnerable to attack or criticism.

Example

"The investigative journalist spent years documenting the corrupt underbelly of local politics."

2

The soft underside or lower abdomen of an animal's body, or the bottom surface of a vehicle or aircraft.

Example

"The biologist noted the distinctive pale markings on the frog's underbelly."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for underbelly
Antonyms
View all antonyms for underbelly

• Nearby Words

underarm
underbake
underbaked
underbelly
underbid
underbidder
underbite

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the 17th century from 'under-' and 'belly', originally referring to the soft lower abdomen of an animal. The figurative sense meaning a vulnerable or exposed side was popularized by Winston Churchill during World War II when describing southern Europe as the "soft underbelly of the Axis."

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Underbelly. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/underbelly
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.