American English
/ˌfən.dəˈmɛ.nl̩/
4 syllables · Stress the third syllable.
Very important and necessary for something to exist or work.
In natural American speech, the middle /t/ in “fundamental” may sound like a very quick tap or may be hard to hear. This can happen even when the word is said by itself.
Very important and necessary for something to exist or work.
Trust is fundamental to a good relationship.
The law protects fundamental rights.
In English, fundamental usually means “very important” or “basic,” not “fundamentalist.”
fundamental right · fundamental principle · fundamental change · fundamental problem
fundamental + noun
be fundamental to + noun
Forming the basic part of a subject or skill, before more advanced learning.
Students need fundamental math skills.
We began with the fundamental ideas of economics.
fundamental skill · fundamental knowledge · fundamental concept
fundamental + noun
learn the fundamental + plural noun
A basic fact, rule, or skill in a subject.
She is learning the fundamentals of investing.
The course teaches the fundamentals of photography.
learn the fundamentals · master the fundamentals
the fundamentals of + noun
the basic facts, rules, or skills of a subject
He understands the fundamentals of computer programming.
As a noun, it is usually used in the plural: fundamentals.