underpinning
noun
un·der·pin·ning
ˈən-dər-ˌpi-niŋ 
1
: the material and construction (such as a foundation) used for support of a structure
2
3
: underwear
—usually used in plural
4
: a person's legs
—usually used in plural
Examples of underpinning in a Sentence
the underpinnings of the theory have recently been called into question
the underpinnings of the bridge were seriously damaged in the collision
Recent Examples on the Web
The sway of the founder CAIO Ganju, previously the company’s chief technology officer, started his AI journey in 2018, doing deep dives on neural networks and the mathematical underpinnings.
—
Sage Lazzaro, Fortune, 3 Sep. 2025
The writings left behind by the shooter in Wednesday's deadly attack at a Minnesota church have many of the underpinnings of a troubled person — and leave just as much confusion over why the mass shooting occurred, USA TODAY reports.
—Leah Olajide, Freep.com, 30 Aug. 2025
One person familiar with the situation who asked not to be named says that the structure of Natcast is typical of public-private partnerships and that its underpinnings were thoroughly reviewed by the Commerce Department before its establishment.
—IEEE Spectrum, 27 Aug. 2025
On one hand, the cryptographic underpinnings of data protection and privacy are at risk.
—Dino Dimarino, Forbes.com, 26 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for underpinning
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Sage Lazzaro, Fortune, 3 Sep. 2025
The writings left behind by the shooter in Wednesday's deadly attack at a Minnesota church have many of the underpinnings of a troubled person — and leave just as much confusion over why the mass shooting occurred, USA TODAY reports.
—Leah Olajide, Freep.com, 30 Aug. 2025
One person familiar with the situation who asked not to be named says that the structure of Natcast is typical of public-private partnerships and that its underpinnings were thoroughly reviewed by the Commerce Department before its establishment.
—IEEE Spectrum, 27 Aug. 2025
On one hand, the cryptographic underpinnings of data protection and privacy are at risk.
—Dino Dimarino, Forbes.com, 26 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for underpinning
Cite this Entry
“Underpinning.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underpinning. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
underpinning
noun
un·der·pin·ning
ˈən-dər-ˌpin-iŋ
1
: the foundation used for support of a structure
2
3
: a person's legs
—usually used in plural
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