underscore
Americanverb (used with object)
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to mark with a line or lines underneath; underline, as for emphasis.
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to stress; emphasize.
The recent tragedy underscores the danger of disregarding safety rules.
noun
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a line drawn beneath something written or printed.
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music for a film soundtrack; background for a film or stage production.
verb
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to draw or score a line or mark under
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to stress or reinforce
noun
Other Word Forms
Conjugated Forms
Present
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have underscoredperfect
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has underscoredperfect 3rd person singular
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have been underscoringperfect progressive
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am underscoringprogressive 1st person singular
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underscoressingular 3rd person
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is underscoringprogressive 3rd person singular
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are underscoringprogressive
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underscoringparticiple
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has been underscoringperfect progressive 3rd person singular
Past
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had underscoredperfect
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was underscoringprogressive singular
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underscoredsimple
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had been underscoringperfect progressive
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were underscoringprogressive plural
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underscoredparticiple
Future
Etymology
Origin of underscore
Explanation
To underscore is to draw special attention to a fact, idea, or situation. When you're involved in a debate, it’s wise to underscore the points that best support your argument. Literally, underscore means “to underline,” or draw a line beneath a word to emphasize it. In common speech, to underscore something is to call attention to it. If a worker sustained an injury on the job, for instance, the event would underscore the need for workplace safety. Underscore is also used to mean "emphasize." During a job interview, you want to underscore any experience that relates to the job you are applying for.
Vocabulary lists containing underscore
The SAT: Language of the Test, List 2
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The ACT: The Language of the Test, List 2
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The New SAT: The Language of the Test
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
As if to underscore this point, Iran's Supreme National Security Council released a statement on Sunday that "final negotiations will be postponed until after the implementation of the other party's commitments under the memorandum".
From BBC • Jun. 15, 2026
The team believes the results underscore the need to consider overall dietary balance, rather than concentrating solely on reducing sugar intake.
From Science Daily • Jun. 14, 2026
SpaceX’s IPO and anticipated offerings from Anthropic and OpenAI underscore the need for employees to seek financial advice.
From Barron's • Jun. 13, 2026
The results underscore Bass’ unpopularity as an incumbent, garnering just 35% of the vote so far.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 7, 2026
It would speak eloquently of how rare are the living things of our planet, and would underscore, as nothing else in human history has, the individual worth of every human being.
From "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
