1. problems, concerns, or factors that exist beneath the surface or are not immediately apparent; root causes
We need to address the underlying issues before we can solve this problem.
Precisamos abordar as questões subjacentes antes de podermos resolver esse problema.
2. latent or implicit matters that form the basis of a situation, argument, or conflict
The underlying issues in their relationship were never discussed openly.
As questões subjacentes no relacionamento deles nunca foram discutidas abertamente.