underworld
Translation
underworld, criminal fraternity, netherworld
Examples
He was a figure in the criminal underworld.
He was a figure in the criminal underworld.
In the myth, he journeys to the underworld.
In the myth, he journeys to the underworld.
Grammar Patterns
the criminal underworld the world of organized crime He was a figure in the criminal underworld.
Similar Words
Synonyms: criminal world, netherworld, Hades
Etymology
From 'under' + 'world', literally meaning a world that exists beneath the ordinary one.
Memory Tips
Picture a secret world operating 'under' the normal world, either for crime or for spirits of the dead.