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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is underscoringprogressive 3rd person singular
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are underscoringprogressive
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has been underscoringperfect progressive 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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underscoringparticiple
Past
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had underscoredperfect
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had been underscoringperfect progressive
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were underscoringprogressive plural
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was underscoringprogressive singular
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underscoredsimple
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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.
Researchers say the findings underscore the need for a better understanding of TFA pollution and its potential impacts.
From Science Daily • Jun. 9, 2026
The results underscore Bass’ unpopularity as an incumbent, garnering just 35% of the vote so far.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 7, 2026
Unlike 2022, when inflation expectations rose in tandem with actual inflation, the divergence this year between the two may underscore changes in growth expectations rather than a pure inflation story, said Gillum at LPL Financial.
From MarketWatch • Jun. 4, 2026
These underscore the geopolitical risks to the transition and could both delay "India's EV rollout and affect cost competitiveness", the consultancy said in a recent report.
From BBC • Jun. 3, 2026
Every now and then Ted pops in to watch with me, pausing the video to underscore a particularly dramatic moment: “See how she’s working around the vase? That’s an accident waiting to happen. ”
From "Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America" by Barbara Ehrenreich
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.
