underworld

[ uhn-der-wurld ]

noun

1. the criminal element of human society.
2. the imagined abode of departed souls or spirits; Hades.
3. a region below the surface, as of the earth or a body of water.
4. the opposite side of the earth; the antipodes.
5. Archaic. the earth.

underworld

/ ˈʌndəˌwɜːld /

noun

1. 1. criminals and their associates considered collectively
   2. ( as modifier )

      underworld connections

2. the regions below the earth's surface regarded as the abode of the dead; Hades

Word History and Origins

Origin of underworld¹

First recorded in 1600–10; under- + world

Example Sentences

A new report by the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime, for which I acted as a researcher, explores this new underworld, which may give us a clue for where the worldwide drug scene is headed next.

From Salon

Buck’s two-week trial highlighted a dangerous underworld of sex work, where an influential, wealthy man exploited poor, addicted Black men.

From Los Angeles Times

Accompanying the post was a photo of Di’Anno’s friends and family, who over the weekend hosted a show in his honor at the Underworld Camden, a live-music venue in London: “With a magnificent musical set, his musical colleagues said a worthy farewell to their friend.”

From Los Angeles Times

Amy Polacko, a divorce coach and co-author of "Framed: Women in the Family Court Underworld," said the majority of her clients are seeking a divorce to escape financial, psychological or emotional abuse, and, at times, physical abuse, too.

From Salon

Wong is currently promoting her new comedy special “Single Lady” along with Netflix’s upcoming animated series “Jentry Chau Vs. The Underworld.”

From Salon

Related Words

• gangland
• mob
• organized crime
• syndicate