<?xml version="1.0" encoding="us-ascii"?>
<!-- DFIN ActiveDisclosure(SM) XBRL Linkbase Document - http://www.dfinsolutions.com/ -->
<!-- Creation Date      : 2022-05-03T23:27:44.0726962+00:00 -->
<!-- Version            : 5.0.1.747 -->
<!-- Package ID         : e2011516dde7495688068b35abf43be1 -->
<!-- Copyright (c) 2022 Donnelley Financial Solutions, Inc. All Rights Reserved. -->
<link:linkbase xmlns:link="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" xmlns:xbrldt="http://xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" xsi:schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-linkbase-2003-12-31.xsd">
  <link:arcroleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#all" arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" />
  <link:arcroleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#dimension-default" arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" />
  <link:arcroleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#dimension-domain" arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" />
  <link:arcroleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#domain-member" arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" />
  <link:arcroleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#hypercube-dimension" arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" />
  <link:roleRef xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#TemplateLink" roleURI="http://www.uniti.com/20220331/role/TemplateLink" />
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.uniti.com/20220331/taxonomy/role/StatementCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfIncomeLossUnaudited" xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#Role_StatementCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfIncomeLossUnaudited" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.uniti.com/20220331/taxonomy/role/StatementCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfIncomeLossUnaudited">
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingAbstract" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TemporaryEquityDividendsAdjustment" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_TemporaryEquityDividendsAdjustment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ParticipatingSecuritiesDistributedAndUndistributedEarningsLossBasic" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ParticipatingSecuritiesDistributedAndUndistributedEarningsLossBasic" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProfitLoss" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProfitLoss" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherOperatingIncomeExpenseNet" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherOperatingIncomeExpenseNet" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_TransactionRelatedAndOtherCosts" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_TransactionRelatedAndOtherCosts" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_OperatingExpenseExclusiveOfDepreciationAndAmortization" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_OperatingExpenseExclusiveOfDepreciationAndAmortization" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DepreciationAndAmortization" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DepreciationAndAmortization" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestIncomeExpenseNet" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestIncomeExpenseNet" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Revenues" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_Revenues" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_FiberInfrastructureMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_FiberInfrastructureMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_LeasingMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_LeasingMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" order="10170.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" order="10200.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_SegmentDomain_2" order="10210.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" order="10230.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="unit_LeasingMember" order="10250.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="unit_FiberInfrastructureMember" order="10270.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract" order="10300.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_Revenues" order="10380.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract" order="10500.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_InterestIncomeExpenseNet" order="10580.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DepreciationAndAmortization" order="10620.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpense" order="10660.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="unit_OperatingExpenseExclusiveOfDepreciationAndAmortization" order="10700.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="unit_TransactionRelatedAndOtherCosts" order="10740.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherOperatingIncomeExpenseNet" order="10780.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_CostsAndExpensesAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses" order="10820.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" order="10860.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" order="10900.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" order="10940.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProfitLoss" order="10980.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" order="11020.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" order="11060.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ParticipatingSecuritiesDistributedAndUndistributedEarningsLossBasic" order="11100.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_TemporaryEquityDividendsAdjustment" order="11140.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic" order="11180.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract" order="11220.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic" order="11300.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted" order="11340.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingAbstract" order="11380.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic" order="11460.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding" order="11500.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.uniti.com/20220331/taxonomy/role/StatementCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfShareholdersDeficitUnaudited" xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#Role_StatementCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfShareholdersDeficitUnaudited" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.uniti.com/20220331/taxonomy/role/StatementCondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfShareholdersDeficitUnaudited">
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesEmployeeStockPurchasePlans" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesEmployeeStockPurchasePlans" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueEmployeeStockPurchasePlan" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueEmployeeStockPurchasePlan" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesShareBasedCompensation" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesShareBasedCompensation" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_PaymentsRelatedToTaxWithholdingForStockBasedCompensation" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_PaymentsRelatedToTaxWithholdingForStockBasedCompensation" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_CumulativeNonVotingConvertiblePreferredStock" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_CumulativeNonVotingConvertiblePreferredStock" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_ExchangeOfNoncontrollingInterestShares" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_ExchangeOfNoncontrollingInterestShares" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromRedemptions" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromRedemptions" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHolders" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHolders" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DividendsCommonStock" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DividendsCommonStock" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProfitLoss" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProfitLoss" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SharesOutstanding" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SharesOutstanding" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAdjustmentMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAdjustmentMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_NoncontrollingInterestNoncontrollingInterestNonVotingPreferredSharesMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_NoncontrollingInterestNoncontrollingInterestNonVotingPreferredSharesMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedDistributionsInExcessOfNetIncomeMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccumulatedDistributionsInExcessOfNetIncomeMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PreferredStockMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_2" order="10050.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_PreferredStockMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonStockMember" order="10130.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember" order="10170.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" order="10190.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccumulatedDistributionsInExcessOfNetIncomeMember" order="10210.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember" order="10230.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="unit_NoncontrollingInterestNoncontrollingInterestNonVotingPreferredSharesMember" order="10250.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:to="srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAxis" order="10260.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAxis" xlink:to="srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionDomain_2" order="10270.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAxis" xlink:to="srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionDomain" order="10290.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionDomain" xlink:to="srt_CumulativeEffectPeriodOfAdoptionAdjustmentMember" order="10310.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" order="10360.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_SharesOutstanding" order="10420.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProfitLoss" order="10800.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" order="11020.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DividendsCommonStock" order="11240.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHolders" order="11460.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_MinorityInterestDecreaseFromRedemptions" order="11680.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="unit_ExchangeOfNoncontrollingInterestShares" order="11740.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="unit_CumulativeNonVotingConvertiblePreferredStock" order="11900.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="unit_PaymentsRelatedToTaxWithholdingForStockBasedCompensation" order="12120.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AdjustmentsToAdditionalPaidInCapitalSharebasedCompensationRequisiteServicePeriodRecognitionValue" order="12340.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesShareBasedCompensation" order="12400.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueEmployeeStockPurchasePlan" order="12560.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesEmployeeStockPurchasePlans" order="12620.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.uniti.com/20220331/taxonomy/role/DisclosureOrganizationAndDescriptionOfBusinessAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#Role_DisclosureOrganizationAndDescriptionOfBusinessAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.uniti.com/20220331/taxonomy/role/DisclosureOrganizationAndDescriptionOfBusinessAdditionalInformationDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LimitedLiabilityCompanyLLCOrLimitedPartnershipLPManagingMemberOrGeneralPartnerOwnershipInterest" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LimitedLiabilityCompanyLLCOrLimitedPartnershipLPManagingMemberOrGeneralPartnerOwnershipInterest" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NumberOfOperatingSegments" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_NumberOfOperatingSegments" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_UnitiGroupLPMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_UnitiGroupLPMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_OwnershipDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_OwnershipDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_OwnershipDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_OwnershipDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_OwnershipAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_OwnershipAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_OrganizationAndDescriptionOfBusinessTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_OrganizationAndDescriptionOfBusinessTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_OrganizationAndDescriptionOfBusinessLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_OrganizationAndDescriptionOfBusinessLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="unit_OrganizationAndDescriptionOfBusinessLineItems" xlink:to="unit_OrganizationAndDescriptionOfBusinessTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="unit_OrganizationAndDescriptionOfBusinessTable" xlink:to="srt_OwnershipAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="srt_OwnershipAxis" xlink:to="srt_OwnershipDomain_2" order="10050.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_OwnershipAxis" xlink:to="srt_OwnershipDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_OwnershipDomain" xlink:to="unit_UnitiGroupLPMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="unit_OrganizationAndDescriptionOfBusinessLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_NumberOfOperatingSegments" order="10120.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="unit_OrganizationAndDescriptionOfBusinessLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LimitedLiabilityCompanyLLCOrLimitedPartnershipLPManagingMemberOrGeneralPartnerOwnershipInterest" order="10140.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.uniti.com/20220331/taxonomy/role/DisclosureBasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#Role_DisclosureBasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.uniti.com/20220331/taxonomy/role/DisclosureBasisOfPresentationAndSummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesAdditionalInformationDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingPrincipleAccountingStandardsUpdateImmaterialEffect" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingPrincipleAccountingStandardsUpdateImmaterialEffect" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingPrincipleAccountingStandardsUpdateAdoptionDate" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingPrincipleAccountingStandardsUpdateAdoptionDate" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingPrincipleAccountingStandardsUpdateAdopted" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingPrincipleAccountingStandardsUpdateAdopted" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_AccountingStandardsUpdate202105Member" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_AccountingStandardsUpdate202105Member" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_AccountingStandardsUpdate202104Member" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_AccountingStandardsUpdate202104Member" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_WindstreamMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_WindstreamMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_MajorCustomersAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_MajorCustomersAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SalesRevenueNetMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SalesRevenueNetMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CustomerConcentrationRiskMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CustomerConcentrationRiskMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="unit_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="unit_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="unit_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain_2" order="10050.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_CustomerConcentrationRiskMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="unit_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis" order="10100.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain_2" order="10110.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskByBenchmarkAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain" order="10130.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskBenchmarkDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_SalesRevenueNetMember" order="10150.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="unit_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" xlink:to="srt_MajorCustomersAxis" order="10160.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="srt_MajorCustomersAxis" xlink:to="srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain_2" order="10170.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_MajorCustomersAxis" xlink:to="srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain" order="10190.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain" xlink:to="unit_WindstreamMember" order="10210.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="unit_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" order="10220.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_2" order="10230.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" order="10250.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" xlink:to="unit_AccountingStandardsUpdate202104Member" order="10270.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" xlink:to="unit_AccountingStandardsUpdate202105Member" order="10330.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="unit_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConcentrationRiskPercentage1" order="10400.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="unit_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingPrincipleAccountingStandardsUpdateAdopted" order="10470.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="unit_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingPrincipleAccountingStandardsUpdateAdoptionDate" order="10490.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="unit_SummaryOfSignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingPrincipleAccountingStandardsUpdateImmaterialEffect" order="10510.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.uniti.com/20220331/taxonomy/role/DisclosureRevenuesRevenuesDisaggregatedByRevenueStreamDetails" xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#Role_DisclosureRevenuesRevenuesDisaggregatedByRevenueStreamDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.uniti.com/20220331/taxonomy/role/DisclosureRevenuesRevenuesDisaggregatedByRevenueStreamDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Revenues" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_Revenues" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_OtherRevenueGeneratingActivityMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_OtherRevenueGeneratingActivityMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_ERateAndGovernmentMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_ERateAndGovernmentMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_EnterpriseAndWholesaleMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_EnterpriseAndWholesaleMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_LitBackhaulMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_LitBackhaulMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_LeasingMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_LeasingMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_FiberInfrastructureMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_FiberInfrastructureMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201602Member" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201602Member" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201602Member" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" order="10140.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" order="10170.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="unit_FiberInfrastructureMember" order="10190.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="unit_LeasingMember" order="10290.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueTable" xlink:to="srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" order="10340.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:to="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain_2" order="10350.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_ProductOrServiceAxis" xlink:to="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" order="10370.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:to="unit_LitBackhaulMember" order="10390.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:to="unit_EnterpriseAndWholesaleMember" order="10410.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:to="unit_ERateAndGovernmentMember" order="10430.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_ProductsAndServicesDomain" xlink:to="unit_OtherRevenueGeneratingActivityMember" order="10450.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax" order="10480.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DisaggregationOfRevenueLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_Revenues" order="10760.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.uniti.com/20220331/taxonomy/role/DisclosureRevenuesAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#Role_DisclosureRevenuesAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.uniti.com/20220331/taxonomy/role/DisclosureRevenuesAdditionalInformationDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationBacklogExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionPeriod" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationBacklogExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionPeriod" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationBacklogForSalesBookings" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationBacklogForSalesBookings" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationContractsThatBeingInvoicedMonthly" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationContractsThatBeingInvoicedMonthly" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligation" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligation" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityRevenueRecognized" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityRevenueRecognized" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_ContractWithCustomerReceivables" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_ContractWithCustomerReceivables" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_ContractWithCustomerLeaseReceivables" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_ContractWithCustomerLeaseReceivables" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201409Member" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201409Member" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201602Member" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201602Member" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_RevenueRecognitionTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_RevenueRecognitionTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_RevenueRecognitionLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_RevenueRecognitionLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="unit_RevenueRecognitionLineItems" xlink:to="unit_RevenueRecognitionTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="unit_RevenueRecognitionTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201602Member" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201409Member" order="10110.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="unit_RevenueRecognitionLineItems" xlink:to="unit_ContractWithCustomerLeaseReceivables" order="10260.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="unit_RevenueRecognitionLineItems" xlink:to="unit_ContractWithCustomerReceivables" order="10300.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="unit_RevenueRecognitionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiabilityRevenueRecognized" order="10370.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="unit_RevenueRecognitionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligation" order="10440.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="unit_RevenueRecognitionLineItems" xlink:to="unit_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationContractsThatBeingInvoicedMonthly" order="10460.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="unit_RevenueRecognitionLineItems" xlink:to="unit_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationBacklogForSalesBookings" order="10480.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="unit_RevenueRecognitionLineItems" xlink:to="unit_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationBacklogExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionPeriod" order="10500.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.uniti.com/20220331/taxonomy/role/DisclosureRevenuesScheduleOfContractAssetsAndContractLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#Role_DisclosureRevenuesScheduleOfContractAssetsAndContractLiabilitiesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.uniti.com/20220331/taxonomy/role/DisclosureRevenuesScheduleOfContractAssetsAndContractLiabilitiesDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiability" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiability" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerAssetNet" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerAssetNet" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201409Member" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201409Member" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredRevenueArrangementByTypeTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredRevenueArrangementByTypeTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredRevenueArrangementLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DeferredRevenueArrangementLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_DeferredRevenueArrangementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DeferredRevenueArrangementByTypeTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_DeferredRevenueArrangementByTypeTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201409Member" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DeferredRevenueArrangementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerAssetNet" order="10180.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DeferredRevenueArrangementLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ContractWithCustomerLiability" order="10330.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.uniti.com/20220331/taxonomy/role/DisclosureRevenuesAdditionalInformationDetails1" xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#Role_DisclosureRevenuesAdditionalInformationDetails1" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.uniti.com/20220331/taxonomy/role/DisclosureRevenuesAdditionalInformationDetails1">
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionPeriod1" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionPeriod1" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionStartDateAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionStartDateAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201409Member" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201409Member" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_RevenueRecognitionTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_RevenueRecognitionTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_RevenueRecognitionLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_RevenueRecognitionLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="unit_RevenueRecognitionLineItems" xlink:to="unit_RevenueRecognitionTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="unit_RevenueRecognitionTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201409Member" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="unit_RevenueRecognitionTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionStartDateAxis" order="10100.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="unit_RevenueRecognitionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionPeriod1" order="10130.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.uniti.com/20220331/taxonomy/role/DisclosureRevenuesAdditionalInformationDetails1Default" xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#Role_DisclosureRevenuesAdditionalInformationDetails1Default" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.uniti.com/20220331/taxonomy/role/DisclosureRevenuesAdditionalInformationDetails1Default">
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionPeriod1" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionPeriod1" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201409Member" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201409Member" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_RevenueRecognitionTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_RevenueRecognitionTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_RevenueRecognitionLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_RevenueRecognitionLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="unit_RevenueRecognitionLineItems" xlink:to="unit_RevenueRecognitionTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="unit_RevenueRecognitionTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" order="10020.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" order="10030.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201409Member" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="unit_RevenueRecognitionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_RevenueRemainingPerformanceObligationExpectedTimingOfSatisfactionPeriod1" order="10050.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.uniti.com/20220331/taxonomy/role/DisclosureLeasesAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#Role_DisclosureLeasesAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.uniti.com/20220331/taxonomy/role/DisclosureLeasesAdditionalInformationDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortTermLeaseCommitmentAmount" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShortTermLeaseCommitmentAmount" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseOptionToTerminate" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseOptionToTerminate" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_LesseeOperatingLeaseTermination" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_LesseeOperatingLeaseTermination" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseExistenceOfOptionToTerminate" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseExistenceOfOptionToTerminate" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseOptionToExtend" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseOptionToExtend" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseExistenceOfOptionToExtend" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseExistenceOfOptionToExtend" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseRenewalTerm" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseRenewalTerm" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseTermOfContract" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseTermOfContract" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_LessorOperatingLeaseTermination" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_LessorOperatingLeaseTermination" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LessorOperatingLeaseOptionToTerminate" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LessorOperatingLeaseOptionToTerminate" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LessorOperatingLeaseExistenceOfOptionToTerminate" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LessorOperatingLeaseExistenceOfOptionToTerminate" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LessorOperatingLeaseOptionToExtend" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LessorOperatingLeaseOptionToExtend" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LessorOperatingLeaseExistenceOfOptionToExtend" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LessorOperatingLeaseExistenceOfOptionToExtend" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LessorOperatingLeaseRenewalTerm" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LessorOperatingLeaseRenewalTerm" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LessorOperatingLeaseTermOfContract" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LessorOperatingLeaseTermOfContract" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_MaximumMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_MinimumMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_RangeMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_RangeMember_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_RangeAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_LeasesTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_LeasesTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_LeasesLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_LeasesLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="unit_LeasesLineItems" xlink:to="unit_LeasesTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="unit_LeasesTable" xlink:to="srt_RangeAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="srt_RangeAxis" xlink:to="srt_RangeMember_2" order="10050.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_RangeAxis" xlink:to="srt_RangeMember" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MinimumMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MaximumMember" order="10110.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="unit_LeasesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LessorOperatingLeaseTermOfContract" order="10260.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="unit_LeasesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LessorOperatingLeaseRenewalTerm" order="10300.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="unit_LeasesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LessorOperatingLeaseExistenceOfOptionToExtend" order="10340.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="unit_LeasesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LessorOperatingLeaseOptionToExtend" order="10360.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="unit_LeasesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LessorOperatingLeaseExistenceOfOptionToTerminate" order="10380.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="unit_LeasesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LessorOperatingLeaseOptionToTerminate" order="10400.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="unit_LeasesLineItems" xlink:to="unit_LessorOperatingLeaseTermination" order="10420.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="unit_LeasesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseTermOfContract" order="10490.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="unit_LeasesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseRenewalTerm" order="10550.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="unit_LeasesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseExistenceOfOptionToExtend" order="10610.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="unit_LeasesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseOptionToExtend" order="10670.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="unit_LeasesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseExistenceOfOptionToTerminate" order="10730.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="unit_LeasesLineItems" xlink:to="unit_LesseeOperatingLeaseTermination" order="10790.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="unit_LeasesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeOperatingLeaseOptionToTerminate" order="10850.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="unit_LeasesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShortTermLeaseCommitmentAmount" order="10940.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.uniti.com/20220331/taxonomy/role/DisclosureLeasesLeasePaymentsToBeReceivedUnderNonCancellableOperatingLeasesParentheticalDetails" xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#Role_DisclosureLeasesLeasePaymentsToBeReceivedUnderNonCancellableOperatingLeasesParentheticalDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.uniti.com/20220331/taxonomy/role/DisclosureLeasesLeasePaymentsToBeReceivedUnderNonCancellableOperatingLeasesParentheticalDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LessorOperatingLeasePaymentsToBeReceived" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LessorOperatingLeasePaymentsToBeReceived" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_WindstreamMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_WindstreamMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_MajorCustomersAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_MajorCustomersAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionTable" xlink:to="srt_MajorCustomersAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_MajorCustomersAxis" xlink:to="srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain" xlink:to="unit_WindstreamMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LesseeLeaseDescriptionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LessorOperatingLeasePaymentsToBeReceived" order="10120.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.uniti.com/20220331/taxonomy/role/DisclosureLeasesScheduleOfUnderlyingAssetsUnderOperatingLeasesDetails" xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#Role_DisclosureLeasesScheduleOfUnderlyingAssetsUnderOperatingLeasesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.uniti.com/20220331/taxonomy/role/DisclosureLeasesScheduleOfUnderlyingAssetsUnderOperatingLeasesDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetInvestmentInLease" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_NetInvestmentInLease" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_LessorUnderlyingAssetsOperatingLeaseAccumulatedDepreciation" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_LessorUnderlyingAssetsOperatingLeaseAccumulatedDepreciation" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_LessorUnderlyingAssetsOperatingLeaseGross" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_LessorUnderlyingAssetsOperatingLeaseGross" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherCapitalizedPropertyPlantAndEquipmentMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherCapitalizedPropertyPlantAndEquipmentMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_AssetsHeldUnderFinanceLeaseMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_AssetsHeldUnderFinanceLeaseMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_TowerAssetsMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_TowerAssetsMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_ConduitMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_ConduitMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_CopperMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_CopperMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquipmentMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_EquipmentMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_FiberMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_FiberMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_PolesMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_PolesMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LandMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LandMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LessorLeaseDescriptionTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LessorLeaseDescriptionTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LessorLeaseDescriptionLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LessorLeaseDescriptionLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_LessorLeaseDescriptionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LessorLeaseDescriptionTable" order="10030.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_LessorLeaseDescriptionTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" order="10060.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain_2" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_LandMember" order="10110.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember" order="10130.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="unit_PolesMember" order="10150.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="unit_FiberMember" order="10170.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_EquipmentMember" order="10190.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="unit_CopperMember" order="10210.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="unit_ConduitMember" order="10230.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="unit_TowerAssetsMember" order="10250.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="unit_AssetsHeldUnderFinanceLeaseMember" order="10270.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherCapitalizedPropertyPlantAndEquipmentMember" order="10290.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LessorLeaseDescriptionLineItems" xlink:to="unit_LessorUnderlyingAssetsOperatingLeaseGross" order="10320.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LessorLeaseDescriptionLineItems" xlink:to="unit_LessorUnderlyingAssetsOperatingLeaseAccumulatedDepreciation" order="10760.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LessorLeaseDescriptionLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_NetInvestmentInLease" order="10800.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.uniti.com/20220331/taxonomy/role/DisclosureInvestmentsInUnconsolidatedEntitiesAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#Role_DisclosureInvestmentsInUnconsolidatedEntitiesAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.uniti.com/20220331/taxonomy/role/DisclosureInvestmentsInUnconsolidatedEntitiesAdditionalInformationDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_TransitionServiceFeesEarned" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_TransitionServiceFeesEarned" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityEntityMaximumLossExposureAmount" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityEntityMaximumLossExposureAmount" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesWithoutReadilyDeterminableFairValueImpairmentLossCumulativeAmount" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesWithoutReadilyDeterminableFairValueImpairmentLossCumulativeAmount" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_VariableInterestEntityEconomicInterestPercentage" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_VariableInterestEntityEconomicInterestPercentage" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_VariableInterestEntityWithLongTermTripleNetLease" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_VariableInterestEntityWithLongTermTripleNetLease" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityOwnershipPercentage" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityOwnershipPercentage" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesFvNiCost" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesFvNiCost" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_MinimumMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_MaximumMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_RangeMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_RangeAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityNotPrimaryBeneficiaryMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityNotPrimaryBeneficiaryMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_HarmoniTowersLPMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_HarmoniTowersLPMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_BBFiberHoldingsLLCMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_BBFiberHoldingsLLCMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_OwnershipDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_OwnershipDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_OwnershipAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_OwnershipAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable" xlink:to="srt_OwnershipAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_OwnershipAxis" xlink:to="srt_OwnershipDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_OwnershipDomain" xlink:to="unit_BBFiberHoldingsLLCMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_OwnershipDomain" xlink:to="unit_HarmoniTowersLPMember" order="10110.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable" xlink:to="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" order="10120.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" xlink:to="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain_2" order="10130.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis" xlink:to="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" order="10150.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_ConsolidatedEntitiesDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityNotPrimaryBeneficiaryMember" order="10170.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsTable" xlink:to="srt_RangeAxis" order="10600.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_RangeAxis" xlink:to="srt_RangeMember" order="10630.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MaximumMember" order="10650.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MinimumMember" order="10670.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesFvNiCost" order="10700.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityOwnershipPercentage" order="10720.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems" xlink:to="unit_VariableInterestEntityWithLongTermTripleNetLease" order="10790.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems" xlink:to="unit_VariableInterestEntityEconomicInterestPercentage" order="10810.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesWithoutReadilyDeterminableFairValueImpairmentLossCumulativeAmount" order="10830.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityEntityMaximumLossExposureAmount" order="10880.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfEquityMethodInvestmentsLineItems" xlink:to="unit_TransitionServiceFeesEarned" order="10930.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.uniti.com/20220331/taxonomy/role/DisclosureFairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsScheduleOfFairValueValuationOfFinancialInstrumentsDetails" xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#Role_DisclosureFairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsScheduleOfFairValueValuationOfFinancialInstrumentsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.uniti.com/20220331/taxonomy/role/DisclosureFairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsScheduleOfFairValueValuationOfFinancialInstrumentsDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_SettlementPayableFairValueDisclosure" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_SettlementPayableFairValueDisclosure" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LinesOfCreditFairValueDisclosure" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LinesOfCreditFairValueDisclosure" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NotesPayableFairValueDisclosure" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_NotesPayableFairValueDisclosure" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosureAbstract" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosureAbstract" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_SeniorSecuredRevolvingCreditFacilityMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_SeniorSecuredRevolvingCreditFacilityMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_FourPercentageExchangeableSeniorNotesDueJuneFifteenTwoThousandTwentyFourMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_FourPercentageExchangeableSeniorNotesDueJuneFifteenTwoThousandTwentyFourMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_SixPointZeroPercentageSeniorSecuredNotesDueJanuaryFifteenTwoThousandThirtyMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_SixPointZeroPercentageSeniorSecuredNotesDueJanuaryFifteenTwoThousandThirtyMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_SixPointFiveZeroPercentageSeniorUnsecuredNotesDueFebruaryFifteenTwoThousandTwentyNineMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_SixPointFiveZeroPercentageSeniorUnsecuredNotesDueFebruaryFifteenTwoThousandTwentyNineMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_EightPointTwoFivePercentageSeniorUnsecuredNotesDueOctoberFifteenTwoThousandTwentyThreeMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_EightPointTwoFivePercentageSeniorUnsecuredNotesDueOctoberFifteenTwoThousandTwentyThreeMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_FourPointSevenFivePercentageSeniorSecuredNotesDueAprilFifteenTwoThousandTwentyEightMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_FourPointSevenFivePercentageSeniorSecuredNotesDueAprilFifteenTwoThousandTwentyEightMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_SixPercentageSeniorSecuredNotesDueAprilFifteenTwoThousandTwentyThreeMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_SixPercentageSeniorSecuredNotesDueAprilFifteenTwoThousandTwentyThreeMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_SevenPointEightSevenFivePercentageSeniorSecuredNotesDueFebruaryFifteenTwoThousandTwentyFiveMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_SevenPointEightSevenFivePercentageSeniorSecuredNotesDueFebruaryFifteenTwoThousandTwentyFiveMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" order="10110.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" order="10140.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_2" order="10150.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" order="10170.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="unit_SevenPointEightSevenFivePercentageSeniorSecuredNotesDueFebruaryFifteenTwoThousandTwentyFiveMember" order="10190.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="unit_SixPercentageSeniorSecuredNotesDueAprilFifteenTwoThousandTwentyThreeMember" order="10210.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="unit_FourPointSevenFivePercentageSeniorSecuredNotesDueAprilFifteenTwoThousandTwentyEightMember" order="10230.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="unit_EightPointTwoFivePercentageSeniorUnsecuredNotesDueOctoberFifteenTwoThousandTwentyThreeMember" order="10250.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="unit_SixPointFiveZeroPercentageSeniorUnsecuredNotesDueFebruaryFifteenTwoThousandTwentyNineMember" order="10270.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="unit_SixPointZeroPercentageSeniorSecuredNotesDueJanuaryFifteenTwoThousandThirtyMember" order="10290.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="unit_FourPercentageExchangeableSeniorNotesDueJuneFifteenTwoThousandTwentyFourMember" order="10310.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="unit_SeniorSecuredRevolvingCreditFacilityMember" order="10330.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" order="10340.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_2" order="10350.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" order="10370.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member" order="10390.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member" order="10410.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" order="10430.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosureAbstract" order="10720.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosureAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_NotesPayableFairValueDisclosure" order="10880.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosureAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_LinesOfCreditFairValueDisclosure" order="11440.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosureAbstract" xlink:to="unit_SettlementPayableFairValueDisclosure" order="11520.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosureAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities" order="11600.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosureAbstract" xlink:to="us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure" order="11680.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.uniti.com/20220331/taxonomy/role/DisclosureFairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsScheduleOfFairValueValuationOfFinancialInstrumentsParentheticalDetails" xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#Role_DisclosureFairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsScheduleOfFairValueValuationOfFinancialInstrumentsParentheticalDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.uniti.com/20220331/taxonomy/role/DisclosureFairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsScheduleOfFairValueValuationOfFinancialInstrumentsParentheticalDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDate" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDate" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_SeniorSecuredRevolvingCreditFacilityMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_SeniorSecuredRevolvingCreditFacilityMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_FourPercentageExchangeableSeniorNotesDueJuneFifteenTwoThousandTwentyFourMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_FourPercentageExchangeableSeniorNotesDueJuneFifteenTwoThousandTwentyFourMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_SixPointZeroPercentageSeniorSecuredNotesDueJanuaryFifteenTwoThousandThirtyMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_SixPointZeroPercentageSeniorSecuredNotesDueJanuaryFifteenTwoThousandThirtyMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_EightPointTwoFivePercentageSeniorUnsecuredNotesDueOctoberFifteenTwoThousandTwentyThreeMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_EightPointTwoFivePercentageSeniorUnsecuredNotesDueOctoberFifteenTwoThousandTwentyThreeMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_SixPointFiveZeroPercentageSeniorUnsecuredNotesDueFebruaryFifteenTwoThousandTwentyNineMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_SixPointFiveZeroPercentageSeniorUnsecuredNotesDueFebruaryFifteenTwoThousandTwentyNineMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_SixPercentageSeniorSecuredNotesDueAprilFifteenTwoThousandTwentyThreeMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_SixPercentageSeniorSecuredNotesDueAprilFifteenTwoThousandTwentyThreeMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_FourPointSevenFivePercentageSeniorSecuredNotesDueAprilFifteenTwoThousandTwentyEightMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_FourPointSevenFivePercentageSeniorSecuredNotesDueAprilFifteenTwoThousandTwentyEightMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_SevenPointEightSevenFivePercentageSeniorSecuredNotesDueFebruaryFifteenTwoThousandTwentyFiveMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_SevenPointEightSevenFivePercentageSeniorSecuredNotesDueFebruaryFifteenTwoThousandTwentyFiveMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="unit_SevenPointEightSevenFivePercentageSeniorSecuredNotesDueFebruaryFifteenTwoThousandTwentyFiveMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="unit_FourPointSevenFivePercentageSeniorSecuredNotesDueAprilFifteenTwoThousandTwentyEightMember" order="10130.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="unit_SixPercentageSeniorSecuredNotesDueAprilFifteenTwoThousandTwentyThreeMember" order="10170.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="unit_SixPointFiveZeroPercentageSeniorUnsecuredNotesDueFebruaryFifteenTwoThousandTwentyNineMember" order="10190.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="unit_EightPointTwoFivePercentageSeniorUnsecuredNotesDueOctoberFifteenTwoThousandTwentyThreeMember" order="10210.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="unit_SixPointZeroPercentageSeniorSecuredNotesDueJanuaryFifteenTwoThousandThirtyMember" order="10250.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="unit_FourPercentageExchangeableSeniorNotesDueJuneFifteenTwoThousandTwentyFourMember" order="10290.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="unit_SeniorSecuredRevolvingCreditFacilityMember" order="10330.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" order="10660.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDate" order="10680.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.uniti.com/20220331/taxonomy/role/DisclosureFairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#Role_DisclosureFairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.uniti.com/20220331/taxonomy/role/DisclosureFairValueOfFinancialInstrumentsAdditionalInformationDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_SettlementPayable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_SettlementPayable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_NumberOfInstallments" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_NumberOfInstallments" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_PaymentsOfCashWillBeMadeInCaseOfEmergenceFromBankruptcy" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_PaymentsOfCashWillBeMadeInCaseOfEmergenceFromBankruptcy" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtFairValue" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebtFairValue" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_WindstreamMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_WindstreamMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_MajorCustomersAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_MajorCustomersAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:to="srt_MajorCustomersAxis" order="10100.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_MajorCustomersAxis" xlink:to="srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain" order="10130.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain" xlink:to="unit_WindstreamMember" order="10150.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount" order="10200.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongTermDebtFairValue" order="10220.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:to="unit_PaymentsOfCashWillBeMadeInCaseOfEmergenceFromBankruptcy" order="10270.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:to="unit_NumberOfInstallments" order="10290.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:to="unit_SettlementPayable" order="10310.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.uniti.com/20220331/taxonomy/role/DisclosurePropertyPlantAndEquipmentScheduleOfCarryingValueOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentDetails" xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#Role_DisclosurePropertyPlantAndEquipmentScheduleOfCarryingValueOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.uniti.com/20220331/taxonomy/role/DisclosurePropertyPlantAndEquipmentScheduleOfCarryingValueOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLife" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLife" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_MaximumMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_MinimumMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_RangeMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_RangeAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConstructionInProgressMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ConstructionInProgressMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_CorporateAssetsMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_CorporateAssetsMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherCapitalizedPropertyPlantAndEquipmentMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherCapitalizedPropertyPlantAndEquipmentMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_FinanceLeaseAssetsMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_FinanceLeaseAssetsMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_TowerAssetsMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_TowerAssetsMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_ConduitMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_ConduitMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_CopperMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_CopperMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquipmentMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_EquipmentMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_FiberMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_FiberMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_PolesMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_PolesMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LandMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LandMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_LandMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_BuildingAndBuildingImprovementsMember" order="10110.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="unit_PolesMember" order="10130.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="unit_FiberMember" order="10150.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_EquipmentMember" order="10170.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="unit_CopperMember" order="10190.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="unit_ConduitMember" order="10210.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="unit_TowerAssetsMember" order="10230.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="unit_FinanceLeaseAssetsMember" order="10250.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherCapitalizedPropertyPlantAndEquipmentMember" order="10270.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="unit_CorporateAssetsMember" order="10290.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ConstructionInProgressMember" order="10310.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentTable" xlink:to="srt_RangeAxis" order="10320.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_RangeAxis" xlink:to="srt_RangeMember" order="10350.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MinimumMember" order="10370.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MaximumMember" order="10390.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLife" order="11060.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross" order="11790.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment" order="12310.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet" order="12350.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.uniti.com/20220331/taxonomy/role/DisclosureDerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#Role_DisclosureDerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.uniti.com/20220331/taxonomy/role/DisclosureDerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesAdditionalInformationDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_ClassOfWarrantOrRightOfWarrantsOrRightsExpiringMonthAndYear" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_ClassOfWarrantOrRightOfWarrantsOrRightsExpiringMonthAndYear" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightNumberOfSecuritiesCalledByWarrantsOrRights" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightNumberOfSecuritiesCalledByWarrantsOrRights" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightExercisePriceOfWarrantsOrRights1" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightExercisePriceOfWarrantsOrRights1" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateCashFlowHedgeGainLossToBeReclassifiedDuringNext12MonthsNet" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestRateCashFlowHedgeGainLossToBeReclassifiedDuringNext12MonthsNet" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestIncomeExpenseNet" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestIncomeExpenseNet" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeVariableInterestRate" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeVariableInterestRate" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeMaturityDates" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeMaturityDates" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeNotionalAmount" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeNotionalAmount" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WarrantMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_WarrantMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedGainLossNetCashFlowHedgeParentMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccumulatedGainLossNetCashFlowHedgeParentMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_MinimumMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_MaximumMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_RangeMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_RangeAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosuresTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosuresTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosuresLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosuresLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosuresLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosuresTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosuresTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_2" order="10050.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosuresTable" xlink:to="srt_RangeAxis" order="10100.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_RangeAxis" xlink:to="srt_RangeMember" order="10130.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MaximumMember" order="10150.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MinimumMember" order="10170.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosuresTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeAxis" order="10180.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeDomain_2" order="10190.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeDomain" order="10210.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" order="10230.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosuresTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" order="10240.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" order="10270.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccumulatedGainLossNetCashFlowHedgeParentMember" order="10290.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosuresTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis" order="10300.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_2" order="10310.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" order="10330.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_WarrantMember" order="10350.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosuresLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeNotionalAmount" order="10500.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosuresLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeMaturityDates" order="10520.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosuresLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeVariableInterestRate" order="10540.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosuresLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_InterestIncomeExpenseNet" order="10590.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosuresLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_InterestRateCashFlowHedgeGainLossToBeReclassifiedDuringNext12MonthsNet" order="10660.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosuresLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount" order="10710.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosuresLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightExercisePriceOfWarrantsOrRights1" order="10750.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosuresLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightNumberOfSecuritiesCalledByWarrantsOrRights" order="10770.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosuresLineItems" xlink:to="unit_ClassOfWarrantOrRightOfWarrantsOrRightsExpiringMonthAndYear" order="10790.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.uniti.com/20220331/taxonomy/role/DisclosureDerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesSummaryOfGrossAmountOfDerivativeInstrumentsSubjectToMasterNettingArrangementsWithSameCounterpartyDetails" xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#Role_DisclosureDerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesSummaryOfGrossAmountOfDerivativeInstrumentsSubjectToMasterNettingArrangementsWithSameCounterpartyDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.uniti.com/20220331/taxonomy/role/DisclosureDerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesSummaryOfGrossAmountOfDerivativeInstrumentsSubjectToMasterNettingArrangementsWithSameCounterpartyDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityFairValueGrossAsset" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityFairValueGrossAsset" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeAssets" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeAssets" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeAssetFairValueGrossLiability" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeAssetFairValueGrossLiability" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_OffsettingAssetsAndLiabilitiesTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_OffsettingAssetsAndLiabilitiesTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_OffsettingAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_OffsettingAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="unit_OffsettingAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems" xlink:to="unit_OffsettingAssetsAndLiabilitiesTable" order="10050.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="unit_OffsettingAssetsAndLiabilitiesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" order="10080.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" order="10110.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember" order="10130.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="unit_OffsettingAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset" order="10340.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="unit_OffsettingAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeAssetFairValueGrossLiability" order="10500.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="unit_OffsettingAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeAssets" order="10660.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="unit_OffsettingAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability" order="10850.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="unit_OffsettingAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityFairValueGrossAsset" order="11010.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="unit_OffsettingAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities" order="11170.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.uniti.com/20220331/taxonomy/role/DisclosureDerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesSummaryOfFairValueOfDerivativeInstrumentsAndPresentationInCondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetDetails" xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#Role_DisclosureDerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesSummaryOfFairValueOfDerivativeInstrumentsAndPresentationInCondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.uniti.com/20220331/taxonomy/role/DisclosureDerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesSummaryOfFairValueOfDerivativeInstrumentsAndPresentationInCondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities" order="10120.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.uniti.com/20220331/taxonomy/role/DisclosureGoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsAndLiabilitiesAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#Role_DisclosureGoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsAndLiabilitiesAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.uniti.com/20220331/taxonomy/role/DisclosureGoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsAndLiabilitiesAdditionalInformationDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_FiniteLivedIntangibleLiabilitiesRemainingAmortizationPeriod" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_FiniteLivedIntangibleLiabilitiesRemainingAmortizationPeriod" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BelowMarketLeaseAmortizationIncomeYearFour" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BelowMarketLeaseAmortizationIncomeYearFour" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BelowMarketLeaseAmortizationIncomeYearThree" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BelowMarketLeaseAmortizationIncomeYearThree" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BelowMarketLeaseAmortizationIncomeYearTwo" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BelowMarketLeaseAmortizationIncomeYearTwo" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BelowMarketLeaseAmortizationIncomeNextTwelveMonths" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BelowMarketLeaseAmortizationIncomeNextTwelveMonths" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BelowMarketLeaseAmortizationIncomeRemainderOfFiscalYear" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BelowMarketLeaseAmortizationIncomeRemainderOfFiscalYear" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AmortizationOfBelowMarketLease" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AmortizationOfBelowMarketLease" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFour" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFour" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearThree" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearThree" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearTwo" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearTwo" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseNextTwelveMonths" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseNextTwelveMonths" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseRemainderOfFiscalYear" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseRemainderOfFiscalYear" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsRemainingAmortizationPeriod1" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsRemainingAmortizationPeriod1" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillPeriodIncreaseDecrease" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_GoodwillPeriodIncreaseDecrease" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_FiberInfrastructureMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_FiberInfrastructureMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_ScheduleOfIndefiniteAndFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAndLiabilitiesTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_ScheduleOfIndefiniteAndFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAndLiabilitiesTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_ScheduleOfIndefiniteAndFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_ScheduleOfIndefiniteAndFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="unit_ScheduleOfIndefiniteAndFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems" xlink:to="unit_ScheduleOfIndefiniteAndFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAndLiabilitiesTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="unit_ScheduleOfIndefiniteAndFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAndLiabilitiesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="unit_FiberInfrastructureMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="unit_ScheduleOfIndefiniteAndFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_GoodwillPeriodIncreaseDecrease" order="10120.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="unit_ScheduleOfIndefiniteAndFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsRemainingAmortizationPeriod1" order="10170.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="unit_ScheduleOfIndefiniteAndFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets" order="10210.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="unit_ScheduleOfIndefiniteAndFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseRemainderOfFiscalYear" order="10250.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="unit_ScheduleOfIndefiniteAndFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseNextTwelveMonths" order="10290.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="unit_ScheduleOfIndefiniteAndFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearTwo" order="10330.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="unit_ScheduleOfIndefiniteAndFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearThree" order="10370.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="unit_ScheduleOfIndefiniteAndFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFour" order="10410.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="unit_ScheduleOfIndefiniteAndFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AmortizationOfBelowMarketLease" order="10480.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="unit_ScheduleOfIndefiniteAndFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_BelowMarketLeaseAmortizationIncomeRemainderOfFiscalYear" order="10520.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="unit_ScheduleOfIndefiniteAndFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_BelowMarketLeaseAmortizationIncomeNextTwelveMonths" order="10560.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="unit_ScheduleOfIndefiniteAndFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_BelowMarketLeaseAmortizationIncomeYearTwo" order="10600.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="unit_ScheduleOfIndefiniteAndFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_BelowMarketLeaseAmortizationIncomeYearThree" order="10640.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="unit_ScheduleOfIndefiniteAndFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_BelowMarketLeaseAmortizationIncomeYearFour" order="10680.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="unit_ScheduleOfIndefiniteAndFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems" xlink:to="unit_FiniteLivedIntangibleLiabilitiesRemainingAmortizationPeriod" order="10720.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.uniti.com/20220331/taxonomy/role/DisclosureGoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsAndLiabilitiesScheduleOfCarryingAmountOfGoodwillDetails" xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#Role_DisclosureGoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsAndLiabilitiesScheduleOfCarryingAmountOfGoodwillDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.uniti.com/20220331/taxonomy/role/DisclosureGoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsAndLiabilitiesScheduleOfCarryingAmountOfGoodwillDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Goodwill" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_Goodwill" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_FiberInfrastructureMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_FiberInfrastructureMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="unit_FiberInfrastructureMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_Goodwill" order="10120.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.uniti.com/20220331/taxonomy/role/DisclosureGoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsAndLiabilitiesScheduleOfCarryingValueOfIntangibleAssetsDetails" xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#Role_DisclosureGoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsAndLiabilitiesScheduleOfCarryingValueOfIntangibleAssetsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.uniti.com/20220331/taxonomy/role/DisclosureGoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsAndLiabilitiesScheduleOfCarryingValueOfIntangibleAssetsDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_FiniteLivedIntangibleLiabilitiesNet" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_FiniteLivedIntangibleLiabilitiesNet" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_FiniteLivedIntangibleLiabilitiesAccumulatedAmortization" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_FiniteLivedIntangibleLiabilitiesAccumulatedAmortization" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_FiniteLivedIntangibleLiabilitiesGross" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_FiniteLivedIntangibleLiabilitiesGross" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsGrossExcludingGoodwill" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsGrossExcludingGoodwill" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_BelowMarketLeasesMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_BelowMarketLeasesMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_UnderlyingRightsMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_UnderlyingRightsMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CustomerContractsMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CustomerContractsMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CustomerListsMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CustomerListsMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_ScheduleOfIndefiniteAndFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAndLiabilitiesTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_ScheduleOfIndefiniteAndFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAndLiabilitiesTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_ScheduleOfIndefiniteAndFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_ScheduleOfIndefiniteAndFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="unit_ScheduleOfIndefiniteAndFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems" xlink:to="unit_ScheduleOfIndefiniteAndFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAndLiabilitiesTable" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="unit_ScheduleOfIndefiniteAndFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAndLiabilitiesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" order="10120.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_2" order="10130.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" order="10150.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_CustomerListsMember" order="10170.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_CustomerContractsMember" order="10190.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:to="unit_UnderlyingRightsMember" order="10210.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:to="unit_BelowMarketLeasesMember" order="10230.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="unit_ScheduleOfIndefiniteAndFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsGross" order="10400.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="unit_ScheduleOfIndefiniteAndFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsGrossExcludingGoodwill" order="10520.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="unit_ScheduleOfIndefiniteAndFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization" order="10560.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="unit_ScheduleOfIndefiniteAndFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill" order="10600.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="unit_ScheduleOfIndefiniteAndFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems" xlink:to="unit_FiniteLivedIntangibleLiabilitiesGross" order="10640.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="unit_ScheduleOfIndefiniteAndFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems" xlink:to="unit_FiniteLivedIntangibleLiabilitiesAccumulatedAmortization" order="10720.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="unit_ScheduleOfIndefiniteAndFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAndLiabilitiesLineItems" xlink:to="unit_FiniteLivedIntangibleLiabilitiesNet" order="10760.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.uniti.com/20220331/taxonomy/role/DisclosureNotesAndOtherDebtScheduleOfNotesAndOtherDebtDetails" xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#Role_DisclosureNotesAndOtherDebtScheduleOfNotesAndOtherDebtDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.uniti.com/20220331/taxonomy/role/DisclosureNotesAndOtherDebtScheduleOfNotesAndOtherDebtDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebt" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LongTermDebt" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscountPremiumAndDebtIssuanceCostsNet" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscountPremiumAndDebtIssuanceCostsNet" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_SeniorSecuredRevolvingCreditFacilityMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_SeniorSecuredRevolvingCreditFacilityMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_SixPointZeroPercentageSeniorUnsecuredNotesDueJanuaryFifteenTwoThousandThirtyMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_SixPointZeroPercentageSeniorUnsecuredNotesDueJanuaryFifteenTwoThousandThirtyMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_SixPointFiveZeroPercentageSeniorUnsecuredNotesDueFebruaryFifteenTwoThousandTwentyNineMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_SixPointFiveZeroPercentageSeniorUnsecuredNotesDueFebruaryFifteenTwoThousandTwentyNineMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_FourPointZeroZeroPercentageSeniorUnsecuredNotesDueJuneFifteenTwoThousandTwentyFourMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_FourPointZeroZeroPercentageSeniorUnsecuredNotesDueJuneFifteenTwoThousandTwentyFourMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_FourPointSevenFivePercentageSeniorSecuredNotesDueAprilFifteenTwoThousandTwentyEightMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_FourPointSevenFivePercentageSeniorSecuredNotesDueAprilFifteenTwoThousandTwentyEightMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_SevenPointEightSevenFivePercentageSeniorSecuredNotesDueFebruaryFifteenTwoThousandTwentyFiveMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_SevenPointEightSevenFivePercentageSeniorSecuredNotesDueFebruaryFifteenTwoThousandTwentyFiveMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" order="10030.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" order="10060.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="unit_SevenPointEightSevenFivePercentageSeniorSecuredNotesDueFebruaryFifteenTwoThousandTwentyFiveMember" order="10110.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="unit_FourPointSevenFivePercentageSeniorSecuredNotesDueAprilFifteenTwoThousandTwentyEightMember" order="10130.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="unit_FourPointZeroZeroPercentageSeniorUnsecuredNotesDueJuneFifteenTwoThousandTwentyFourMember" order="10150.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="unit_SixPointFiveZeroPercentageSeniorUnsecuredNotesDueFebruaryFifteenTwoThousandTwentyNineMember" order="10170.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="unit_SixPointZeroPercentageSeniorUnsecuredNotesDueJanuaryFifteenTwoThousandThirtyMember" order="10190.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="unit_SeniorSecuredRevolvingCreditFacilityMember" order="10210.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount" order="10240.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscountPremiumAndDebtIssuanceCostsNet" order="10280.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LongTermDebt" order="10320.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.uniti.com/20220331/taxonomy/role/DisclosureNotesAndOtherDebtScheduleOfNotesAndOtherDebtParentheticalDetails" xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#Role_DisclosureNotesAndOtherDebtScheduleOfNotesAndOtherDebtParentheticalDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.uniti.com/20220331/taxonomy/role/DisclosureNotesAndOtherDebtScheduleOfNotesAndOtherDebtParentheticalDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateEffectivePercentage" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateEffectivePercentage" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDate" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDate" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_SeniorSecuredRevolvingCreditFacilityMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_SeniorSecuredRevolvingCreditFacilityMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_SixPointZeroPercentageSeniorUnsecuredNotesDueJanuaryFifteenTwoThousandThirtyMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_SixPointZeroPercentageSeniorUnsecuredNotesDueJanuaryFifteenTwoThousandThirtyMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_SixPointFiveZeroPercentageSeniorUnsecuredNotesDueFebruaryFifteenTwoThousandTwentyNineMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_SixPointFiveZeroPercentageSeniorUnsecuredNotesDueFebruaryFifteenTwoThousandTwentyNineMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_FourPointZeroZeroPercentageSeniorUnsecuredNotesDueJuneFifteenTwoThousandTwentyFourMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_FourPointZeroZeroPercentageSeniorUnsecuredNotesDueJuneFifteenTwoThousandTwentyFourMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_FourPointSevenFivePercentageSeniorSecuredNotesDueAprilFifteenTwoThousandTwentyEightMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_FourPointSevenFivePercentageSeniorSecuredNotesDueAprilFifteenTwoThousandTwentyEightMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_SevenPointEightSevenFivePercentageSeniorSecuredNotesDueFebruaryFifteenTwoThousandTwentyFiveMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_SevenPointEightSevenFivePercentageSeniorSecuredNotesDueFebruaryFifteenTwoThousandTwentyFiveMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="unit_SevenPointEightSevenFivePercentageSeniorSecuredNotesDueFebruaryFifteenTwoThousandTwentyFiveMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="unit_FourPointSevenFivePercentageSeniorSecuredNotesDueAprilFifteenTwoThousandTwentyEightMember" order="10150.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="unit_FourPointZeroZeroPercentageSeniorUnsecuredNotesDueJuneFifteenTwoThousandTwentyFourMember" order="10210.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="unit_SixPointFiveZeroPercentageSeniorUnsecuredNotesDueFebruaryFifteenTwoThousandTwentyNineMember" order="10270.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="unit_SixPointZeroPercentageSeniorUnsecuredNotesDueJanuaryFifteenTwoThousandThirtyMember" order="10330.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="unit_SeniorSecuredRevolvingCreditFacilityMember" order="10390.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDate" order="10420.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" order="10460.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateEffectivePercentage" order="10500.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.uniti.com/20220331/taxonomy/role/DisclosureNotesAndOtherDebtAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#Role_DisclosureNotesAndOtherDebtAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.uniti.com/20220331/taxonomy/role/DisclosureNotesAndOtherDebtAdditionalInformationDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AmortizationOfFinancingCosts" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AmortizationOfFinancingCosts" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_LineOfCreditFacilityUnusedCapacityCommitmentFeeDecreasePercentage" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_LineOfCreditFacilityUnusedCapacityCommitmentFeeDecreasePercentage" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityUnusedCapacityCommitmentFeePercentage" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityUnusedCapacityCommitmentFeePercentage" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtDefaultLongtermDebtAmount" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtDefaultLongtermDebtAmount" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefaultLongtermDebtDescriptionOfViolationOrEventOfDefault" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DefaultLongtermDebtDescriptionOfViolationOrEventOfDefault" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_LeverageRatio" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_LeverageRatio" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_SecuredLeverageRatio" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_SecuredLeverageRatio" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_PercentageOfPayCashDividendsInExcessOfTaxableIncome" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_PercentageOfPayCashDividendsInExcessOfTaxableIncome" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_NetLeverageRatio" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_NetLeverageRatio" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDate" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDate" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_DebtInstrumentsMaturityYear" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_DebtInstrumentsMaturityYear" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EurodollarMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_EurodollarMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BaseRateMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BaseRateMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_VariableRateAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_ProFormaMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_ProFormaMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_StatementScenarioAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_MinimumMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_MaximumMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_RangeMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_RangeAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_ExtendedRevolvingCreditFacilityMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_ExtendedRevolvingCreditFacilityMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_CSLCapitalLLCMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_CSLCapitalLLCMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_UnitiGroupLPUnitiGroupFinanceTwoThousandNineteenIncAndCSLCapitalLLCMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_UnitiGroupLPUnitiGroupFinanceTwoThousandNineteenIncAndCSLCapitalLLCMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021q4/dei-2021q4.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021q4/dei-2021q4.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_EntityDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2021q4/dei-2021q4.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="dei_LegalEntityAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_FourPercentageExchangeableSeniorNotesDueJuneFifteenTwoThousandTwentyFourMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_FourPercentageExchangeableSeniorNotesDueJuneFifteenTwoThousandTwentyFourMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_SixPointFiveZeroPercentageSeniorNotesDueFebruaryFifteenTwoThousandTwentyNineMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_SixPointFiveZeroPercentageSeniorNotesDueFebruaryFifteenTwoThousandTwentyNineMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_SixPointZeroZeroPercentageSeniorUnsecuredNotesDueJanuaryFifteenTwoThousandThirtyMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_SixPointZeroZeroPercentageSeniorUnsecuredNotesDueJanuaryFifteenTwoThousandThirtyMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_FourPointSevenFivePercentageSeniorSecuredNotesDueAprilFifteenTwoThousandTwentyEightMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_FourPointSevenFivePercentageSeniorSecuredNotesDueAprilFifteenTwoThousandTwentyEightMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_SevenPointEightSevenFivePercentageSeniorSecuredNotesDueFebruaryFifteenTwoThousandTwentyFiveMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_SevenPointEightSevenFivePercentageSeniorSecuredNotesDueFebruaryFifteenTwoThousandTwentyFiveMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_SeniorSecuredRevolvingCreditFacilityMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_SeniorSecuredRevolvingCreditFacilityMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="unit_SeniorSecuredRevolvingCreditFacilityMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="unit_SevenPointEightSevenFivePercentageSeniorSecuredNotesDueFebruaryFifteenTwoThousandTwentyFiveMember" order="10110.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="unit_FourPointSevenFivePercentageSeniorSecuredNotesDueAprilFifteenTwoThousandTwentyEightMember" order="10170.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="unit_SixPointZeroZeroPercentageSeniorUnsecuredNotesDueJanuaryFifteenTwoThousandThirtyMember" order="10230.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="unit_SixPointFiveZeroPercentageSeniorNotesDueFebruaryFifteenTwoThousandTwentyNineMember" order="10290.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="unit_FourPercentageExchangeableSeniorNotesDueJuneFifteenTwoThousandTwentyFourMember" order="10350.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="dei_LegalEntityAxis" order="10420.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain_2" order="10430.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:to="dei_EntityDomain" order="10450.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="unit_UnitiGroupLPUnitiGroupFinanceTwoThousandNineteenIncAndCSLCapitalLLCMember" order="10470.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="dei_EntityDomain" xlink:to="unit_CSLCapitalLLCMember" order="10630.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="unit_ExtendedRevolvingCreditFacilityMember" order="10690.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="srt_RangeAxis" order="10720.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_RangeAxis" xlink:to="srt_RangeMember" order="10750.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MaximumMember" order="10770.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MinimumMember" order="10830.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="srt_StatementScenarioAxis" order="10920.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="srt_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:to="srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_2" order="10930.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:to="srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" order="10950.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:to="srt_ProFormaMember" order="10970.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_VariableRateAxis" order="11180.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_VariableRateAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_2" order="11190.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_VariableRateAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" order="11210.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_BaseRateMember" order="11230.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_EurodollarMember" order="11250.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount" order="11280.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage" order="11320.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="unit_DebtInstrumentsMaturityYear" order="11340.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDate" order="11460.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="unit_NetLeverageRatio" order="11600.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="unit_PercentageOfPayCashDividendsInExcessOfTaxableIncome" order="11620.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="unit_SecuredLeverageRatio" order="11780.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="unit_LeverageRatio" order="11800.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DefaultLongtermDebtDescriptionOfViolationOrEventOfDefault" order="11840.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtDefaultLongtermDebtAmount" order="11860.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1" order="11910.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityUnusedCapacityCommitmentFeePercentage" order="12030.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="unit_LineOfCreditFacilityUnusedCapacityCommitmentFeeDecreasePercentage" order="12090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AmortizationOfFinancingCosts" order="12180.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.uniti.com/20220331/taxonomy/role/DisclosureEarningsPerShareAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#Role_DisclosureEarningsPerShareAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.uniti.com/20220331/taxonomy/role/DisclosureEarningsPerShareAdditionalInformationDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_FourPercentageExchangeableSeniorNotesDueJuneFifteenTwoThousandTwentyFourMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_FourPercentageExchangeableSeniorNotesDueJuneFifteenTwoThousandTwentyFourMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_NonParticipatingSecuritiesMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_NonParticipatingSecuritiesMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" xlink:to="unit_NonParticipatingSecuritiesMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" order="10100.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" order="10130.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:to="unit_FourPercentageExchangeableSeniorNotesDueJuneFifteenTwoThousandTwentyFourMember" order="10150.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" order="10160.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" order="10190.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonStockMember" order="10210.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount" order="10260.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.uniti.com/20220331/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSegmentInformationScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationDetails" xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#Role_DisclosureSegmentInformationScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.uniti.com/20220331/taxonomy/role/DisclosureSegmentInformationScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProfitLoss" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ProfitLoss" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_AdjustmentsForEquityInEarningsFromUnconsolidatedEntities" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_AdjustmentsForEquityInEarningsFromUnconsolidatedEntities" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_TransactionRelatedAndOtherCosts" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_TransactionRelatedAndOtherCosts" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_SegmentReportingInformationOtherIncomeExpenseNet" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_SegmentReportingInformationOtherIncomeExpenseNet" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DepreciationAndAmortization" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DepreciationAndAmortization" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpense" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_InterestExpense" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_AdjustedEarningsBeforeInterestTaxesDepreciationAndAmortization" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_AdjustedEarningsBeforeInterestTaxesDepreciationAndAmortization" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Revenues" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_Revenues" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CorporateMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_FiberInfrastructureMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_FiberInfrastructureMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_LeasingMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_LeasingMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" order="10100.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" order="10130.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" order="10160.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="unit_LeasingMember" order="10180.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="unit_FiberInfrastructureMember" order="10200.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_CorporateMember" order="10220.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_Revenues" order="10350.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="unit_AdjustedEarningsBeforeInterestTaxesDepreciationAndAmortization" order="10430.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_InterestExpense" order="10510.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DepreciationAndAmortization" order="10590.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="unit_SegmentReportingInformationOtherIncomeExpenseNet" order="10670.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="unit_TransactionRelatedAndOtherCosts" order="10750.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation" order="10830.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" order="10910.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="unit_AdjustmentsForEquityInEarningsFromUnconsolidatedEntities" order="10990.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ProfitLoss" order="11070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.uniti.com/20220331/taxonomy/role/DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingenciesAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#Role_DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingenciesAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.uniti.com/20220331/taxonomy/role/DisclosureCommitmentsAndContingenciesAdditionalInformationDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_ObligationsUnderTaxMattersAgreement" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_ObligationsUnderTaxMattersAgreement" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_InsuranceRecoveryForSettlementExpense" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_InsuranceRecoveryForSettlementExpense" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LitigationSettlementExpense" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_LitigationSettlementExpense" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_AccruedInterestRateForBorrowing" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_AccruedInterestRateForBorrowing" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_MaximumFundingRightsAllocatedPerYearUponTransferOfInterestsUnderNewLease" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_MaximumFundingRightsAllocatedPerYearUponTransferOfInterestsUnderNewLease" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_RateUsedForRentPercentage" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_RateUsedForRentPercentage" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_AnnualRentAdjustmentForGrowthCapitalFunding" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_AnnualRentAdjustmentForGrowthCapitalFunding" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncentiveToLessee" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncentiveToLessee" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_NewLeasesAgreementToFundGrowthCapitalImprovements" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_NewLeasesAgreementToFundGrowthCapitalImprovements" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_GrowthCapitalImprovementsReimbursementCommitmentAmount" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_GrowthCapitalImprovementsReimbursementCommitmentAmount" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_GrowthCapitalImprovementsFundAnnualLimit" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_GrowthCapitalImprovementsFundAnnualLimit" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_AnnualReimbursementCommitmentsDueYearSevenThroughNine" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_AnnualReimbursementCommitmentsDueYearSevenThroughNine" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_AnnualReimbursementCommitmentsDueYearSix" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_AnnualReimbursementCommitmentsDueYearSix" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_AnnualReimbursementCommitmentsDueYearFive" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_AnnualReimbursementCommitmentsDueYearFive" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_AnnualReimbursementCommitmentsDueYearTwoThroughFour" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_AnnualReimbursementCommitmentsDueYearTwoThroughFour" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_AnnualReimbursementCommitmentsDueYearOne" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_AnnualReimbursementCommitmentsDueYearOne" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_GrowthCapitalImprovementsExceptMaintenanceOrRepairExpendituresAndExpenditureTowardsCostsIncurredForFiberReplacements" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_GrowthCapitalImprovementsExceptMaintenanceOrRepairExpendituresAndExpenditureTowardsCostsIncurredForFiberReplacements" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_SettlementAgreementToInvestGrowthCapitalImprovements" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_SettlementAgreementToInvestGrowthCapitalImprovements" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_PrepaymentOfSettlementObligationsUnderSettlementAgreement" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_PrepaymentOfSettlementObligationsUnderSettlementAgreement" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_QuarterlyCashPaymentsToBeMadeAfterEmergence" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_QuarterlyCashPaymentsToBeMadeAfterEmergence" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_PercentageOfCommittedPurchaseOfAsset" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_PercentageOfCommittedPurchaseOfAsset" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_NumberOfInstallments" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_NumberOfInstallments" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_PaymentsOfCashWillBeMadeInCaseOfEmergenceFromBankruptcy" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_PaymentsOfCashWillBeMadeInCaseOfEmergenceFromBankruptcy" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpenseMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpenseMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_MinimumMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_MinimumMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_MaximumMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_MaximumMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_RangeMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_RangeAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_RangeAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_EquipmentLoanAgreementMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_EquipmentLoanAgreementMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfArrangementAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_TypeOfArrangementAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssetsMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherAssetsMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_EquipmentLoanFacilitiesMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_EquipmentLoanFacilitiesMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_WindstreamMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_WindstreamMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2021/elts/srt-2021-01-31.xsd#srt_MajorCustomersAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="srt_MajorCustomersAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_CommitmentsAndContingenciesTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_CommitmentsAndContingenciesTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_CommitmentsAndContingenciesLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_CommitmentsAndContingenciesLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="unit_CommitmentsAndContingenciesLineItems" xlink:to="unit_CommitmentsAndContingenciesTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="unit_CommitmentsAndContingenciesTable" xlink:to="srt_MajorCustomersAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_MajorCustomersAxis" xlink:to="srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain" xlink:to="unit_WindstreamMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain" xlink:to="unit_EquipmentLoanFacilitiesMember" order="10170.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="unit_CommitmentsAndContingenciesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis" order="10180.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_2" order="10190.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" order="10210.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherAssetsMember" order="10230.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="unit_CommitmentsAndContingenciesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_TypeOfArrangementAxis" order="10360.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_TypeOfArrangementAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember_2" order="10370.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_TypeOfArrangementAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" order="10390.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ArrangementsAndNonarrangementTransactionsMember" xlink:to="unit_EquipmentLoanAgreementMember" order="10410.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="unit_CommitmentsAndContingenciesTable" xlink:to="srt_RangeAxis" order="10460.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="srt_RangeAxis" xlink:to="srt_RangeMember" order="10490.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MaximumMember" order="10510.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="srt_RangeMember" xlink:to="srt_MinimumMember" order="10550.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="unit_CommitmentsAndContingenciesTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" order="10560.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_2" order="10570.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" order="10590.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_GeneralAndAdministrativeExpenseMember" order="10610.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="unit_CommitmentsAndContingenciesLineItems" xlink:to="unit_PaymentsOfCashWillBeMadeInCaseOfEmergenceFromBankruptcy" order="10720.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="unit_CommitmentsAndContingenciesLineItems" xlink:to="unit_NumberOfInstallments" order="10740.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="unit_CommitmentsAndContingenciesLineItems" xlink:to="unit_PercentageOfCommittedPurchaseOfAsset" order="10760.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="unit_CommitmentsAndContingenciesLineItems" xlink:to="unit_QuarterlyCashPaymentsToBeMadeAfterEmergence" order="10780.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="unit_CommitmentsAndContingenciesLineItems" xlink:to="unit_PrepaymentOfSettlementObligationsUnderSettlementAgreement" order="10800.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="unit_CommitmentsAndContingenciesLineItems" xlink:to="unit_SettlementAgreementToInvestGrowthCapitalImprovements" order="10850.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="unit_CommitmentsAndContingenciesLineItems" xlink:to="unit_GrowthCapitalImprovementsExceptMaintenanceOrRepairExpendituresAndExpenditureTowardsCostsIncurredForFiberReplacements" order="10890.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="unit_CommitmentsAndContingenciesLineItems" xlink:to="unit_AnnualReimbursementCommitmentsDueYearOne" order="10930.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="unit_CommitmentsAndContingenciesLineItems" xlink:to="unit_AnnualReimbursementCommitmentsDueYearTwoThroughFour" order="10970.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="unit_CommitmentsAndContingenciesLineItems" xlink:to="unit_AnnualReimbursementCommitmentsDueYearFive" order="11010.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="unit_CommitmentsAndContingenciesLineItems" xlink:to="unit_AnnualReimbursementCommitmentsDueYearSix" order="11050.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="unit_CommitmentsAndContingenciesLineItems" xlink:to="unit_AnnualReimbursementCommitmentsDueYearSevenThroughNine" order="11090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="unit_CommitmentsAndContingenciesLineItems" xlink:to="unit_GrowthCapitalImprovementsFundAnnualLimit" order="11130.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="unit_CommitmentsAndContingenciesLineItems" xlink:to="unit_GrowthCapitalImprovementsReimbursementCommitmentAmount" order="11170.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="unit_CommitmentsAndContingenciesLineItems" xlink:to="unit_NewLeasesAgreementToFundGrowthCapitalImprovements" order="11210.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="unit_CommitmentsAndContingenciesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_IncentiveToLessee" order="11250.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="unit_CommitmentsAndContingenciesLineItems" xlink:to="unit_AnnualRentAdjustmentForGrowthCapitalFunding" order="11320.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="unit_CommitmentsAndContingenciesLineItems" xlink:to="unit_RateUsedForRentPercentage" order="11340.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="unit_CommitmentsAndContingenciesLineItems" xlink:to="unit_MaximumFundingRightsAllocatedPerYearUponTransferOfInterestsUnderNewLease" order="11360.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="unit_CommitmentsAndContingenciesLineItems" xlink:to="unit_AccruedInterestRateForBorrowing" order="11470.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="unit_CommitmentsAndContingenciesLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_LitigationSettlementExpense" order="11520.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="unit_CommitmentsAndContingenciesLineItems" xlink:to="unit_InsuranceRecoveryForSettlementExpense" order="11600.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="unit_CommitmentsAndContingenciesLineItems" xlink:to="unit_ObligationsUnderTaxMattersAgreement" order="11670.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.uniti.com/20220331/taxonomy/role/DisclosureAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLossIncomeScheduleOfChangesInAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLossIncomeByComponentDetails" xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#Role_DisclosureAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLossIncomeScheduleOfChangesInAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLossIncomeByComponentDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.uniti.com/20220331/taxonomy/role/DisclosureAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLossIncomeScheduleOfChangesInAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLossIncomeByComponentDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_StockholdersEquityBalanceBeforeAdjustingForNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_StockholdersEquityBalanceBeforeAdjustingForNoncontrollingInterest" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTax" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTax" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_AccumulatedInterestRateSwapTerminationIncludingNoncontrollingInterestMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_AccumulatedInterestRateSwapTerminationIncludingNoncontrollingInterestMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedGainLossCashFlowHedgeIncludingNoncontrollingInterestMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccumulatedGainLossCashFlowHedgeIncludingNoncontrollingInterestMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccumulatedGainLossCashFlowHedgeIncludingNoncontrollingInterestMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:to="unit_AccumulatedInterestRateSwapTerminationIncludingNoncontrollingInterestMember" order="10190.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" order="10340.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTax" order="10380.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="unit_StockholdersEquityBalanceBeforeAdjustingForNoncontrollingInterest" order="10420.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" order="10460.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" order="10540.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
  <link:roleRef roleURI="http://www.uniti.com/20220331/taxonomy/role/DisclosureCapitalStockAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#Role_DisclosureCapitalStockAdditionalInformationDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <link:definitionLink xlink:type="extended" xlink:role="http://www.uniti.com/20220331/taxonomy/role/DisclosureCapitalStockAdditionalInformationDetails">
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleConversionRatio1" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleConversionRatio1" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_PercentageOfUnitsExchangedHeldByThirdParties" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_PercentageOfUnitsExchangedHeldByThirdParties" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_CarryingValueOfUnitsExchangedHeldByThirdParties" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_CarryingValueOfUnitsExchangedHeldByThirdParties" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="unit-20220331.xsd#unit_OpUnitsMember" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="unit_OpUnitsMember" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityInterestIssuedOrIssuableTypeDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_EquityInterestIssuedOrIssuableTypeDomain" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityInterestIssuedOrIssuableTypeDomain" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_EquityInterestIssuedOrIssuableTypeDomain_2" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityInterestIssuedOrIssuableByTypeAxis" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_EquityInterestIssuedOrIssuableByTypeAxis" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfCapitalizationEquityTable" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfCapitalizationEquityTable" />
    <link:loc xlink:href="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2021/elts/us-gaap-2021-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfCapitalizationEquityLineItems" xlink:type="locator" xlink:label="us-gaap_ScheduleOfCapitalizationEquityLineItems" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfCapitalizationEquityLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_ScheduleOfCapitalizationEquityTable" order="10010.00" priority="2" use="optional" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" xbrldt:closed="true" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfCapitalizationEquityTable" xlink:to="us-gaap_EquityInterestIssuedOrIssuableByTypeAxis" order="10040.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityInterestIssuedOrIssuableByTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_EquityInterestIssuedOrIssuableTypeDomain_2" order="10050.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityInterestIssuedOrIssuableByTypeAxis" xlink:to="us-gaap_EquityInterestIssuedOrIssuableTypeDomain" order="10070.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_EquityInterestIssuedOrIssuableTypeDomain" xlink:to="unit_OpUnitsMember" order="10090.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfCapitalizationEquityLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued" order="10120.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfCapitalizationEquityLineItems" xlink:to="unit_CarryingValueOfUnitsExchangedHeldByThirdParties" order="10140.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfCapitalizationEquityLineItems" xlink:to="unit_PercentageOfUnitsExchangedHeldByThirdParties" order="10160.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
    <link:definitionArc xlink:type="arc" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="us-gaap_ScheduleOfCapitalizationEquityLineItems" xlink:to="us-gaap_DebtInstrumentConvertibleConversionRatio1" order="10180.00" priority="2" use="optional" />
  </link:definitionLink>
</link:linkbase>
