fundamental

American  

[fuhn-duh-men-tl] / ˌfʌn dəˈmɛn tl /

adjective

1. serving as, or being an essential part of, a foundation or basis; basic; underlying.

   fundamental principles;

   the fundamental structure.

   Synonyms:

   primary, indispensable

2. of, relating to, or affecting the foundation or basis.

   a fundamental revision.

3. being an original or primary source.

   a fundamental idea.

4. Music. (of a chord) having its root as its lowest note.

---

noun

1. a basic principle, rule, law, or the like, that serves as the groundwork of a system; essential part.

   to master the fundamentals of a trade.

2. Also called fundamental tone.  Also called fundamental note,.  Music.

   1. the root of a chord.

   2. the generator of a series of harmonics.

3. Physics. the component of lowest frequency in a composite wave.

fundamental British  

/ ˌfʌndəˈmɛntəl /

adjective

1. of, involving, or comprising a foundation; basic

2. of, involving, or comprising a source; primary

3. music denoting or relating to the principal or lowest note of a harmonic series

4. of or concerned with the component of lowest frequency in a complex vibration

---

noun

1. a principle, law, etc, that serves as the basis of an idea or system

2. 1. the principal or lowest note of a harmonic series

   2. the bass note of a chord in root position

3. Also called: fundamental frequency.   first harmonic.  physics

   1. the component of lowest frequency in a complex vibration

   2. the frequency of this component

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• nonfundamentally
  adverb
• fundamentality
  noun
• fundamentalness
  noun
• fundamentally
  adverb
• nonfundamental
  adjective
• unfundamental
  adjective
• unfundamentally
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of fundamental

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Medieval Latin fundāmentālis “of, belonging to a foundation”; see fundament, -al ¹

Explanation

When asked what the fundamental, or essential, principles of life are, a teenager might reply, "Breathe. Be a good friend. Eat chocolate. Get gas money." Fundamental has its roots in the Latin word fundamentum, which means "foundation." So if something is fundamental, it is a key point or underlying issue — the foundation, if you will — that the thing is built upon. Teachers argue that math fundamentals include memorizing the times tables and understanding long division. Many people would also argue that math fundamentals should include knowing how to use a calculator and knowing where the calculator's extra batteries are kept.

Example Sentences

But those gains haven’t yet translated into a clear, economywide productivity surge—or fundamental changes to how people do their jobs.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 7, 2026

"However, what we find is a topologically interesting band structure with numerous crossings and nodes that dominate its low-energy electronic behavior. This completely changes our current understanding of the fundamental properties of this elemental material."

From Science Daily • Jun. 5, 2026

While the fundamental outlook at Goldman looks as good as ever, the stock already reflects that—and then some.

From Barron's • Jun. 5, 2026

In light of this, Wall Street analysts have revised their earnings expectations higher, providing some fundamental justification for the rally.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 5, 2026

The existence of such elites goes against the most fundamental principles of natural selection, since these dominant members of society willingly give up procreation.

From "Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind" by Yuval Noah Harari

Related Words

• central
• constitutional
• crucial
• elemental
• elementary
• essential
• indispensable
• integral
• intrinsic
• major
• necessary
• paramount
• principal
• radical
• significant
• structural
• theoretical
• underlying
• vital