fundamentally
Americanadverb
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in a fundamental and essential way; centrally and foundationally.
a nine-point plan that will fundamentally transform our system of eldercare.
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as regards the basic nature, character, or truth of something; basically and often emphatically.
Fundamentally, they just want their independence.
adverb
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in a way that affects the basis or essentials; utterly
the terms of engagement have been fundamentally altered
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(sentence modifier) in essence; at heart
fundamentally, we want our lives to be safe
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of fundamentally
First recorded in 1600–20; fundamental ( def. ) + -ly ( def. )
Explanation
The word fundamentally isn’t fun, exactly, but it does describe things that are true through and through. Vegetarians and meat eaters often have fundamentally different ideas about what makes a healthy meal. Anything fundamental has to do with the foundation or bare bones of something. Similarly, anything described fundamentally is getting down to the essence. Lying is fundamentally dishonest. If something is fundamentally wrong, don’t do it! If you and your dad have fundamentally different opinions about restaurants, it’s better to make dinner at home. This word means about the same as basically or essentially. If something is fundamentally true, it's true in a deep sense.
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.
The new era of quantum computing will happen, IBM says, as it sees nothing fundamentally to stop it.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 28, 2026
They purchased SaaS as a substitute for internal capability, accumulated organizational debt — and now lack the human capital to navigate a transition that is fundamentally about people and process.
From MarketWatch • May 27, 2026
The character of Ali is fundamentally shaped by the young artists who play her, Keys said.
From Los Angeles Times • May 26, 2026
More fundamentally, the “just turn it off” logic begins collapsing once you think seriously about what modern life requires.
From Slate • May 20, 2026
Anything electronic seemed fundamentally magical to Shadow, and liable to evaporate at any moment.
From "American Gods" by Neil Gaiman
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.
