Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

underbelly

noun
/ˈʌndəˌbɛli/
Definition
the soft underside of a creature or object, often used to refer to the vulnerable or less visible parts.
Examples
  • The cat was curled up, exposing its soft underbelly to the warmth of the sun.
  • The documentary revealed the underbelly of the city’s nightlife, highlighting issues often overlooked.
  • In the meeting, he addressed the underbelly of the company’s operations that needed improvement.
Meaning
In a broader context, ‘underbelly’ can denote the hidden weaknesses or darker aspects of something, such as a community or society.
Synonyms
  • belly
  • underside
  • vulnerability
  • weakness