ˌfʌndəˈmɛntəl ɪnˈhɪəɹənt ˌɹuːdɪˈmɛntəɹi in the nature of something though not readily apparent shortcomings inherent in our approach an underlying meaning being or involving basic facts or principles the fundamental laws of the universe a fundamental incompatibility between them these rudimentary truths underlying principles located beneath or below