groundwork

noun

ground·​work ˈgrau̇nd-ˌwərk 

: foundation, basis

laid the groundwork for a new program

also : preparation made beforehand

The groundwork was done before the winter tour.

—Susan Reiter

Synonyms of groundwork

• foundation
• basis
• cornerstone
• bedrock

Examples of groundwork in a Sentence

they had collectively laid the groundwork for a new kind of art

Recent Examples on the Web

Some have also suggested that the company is laying the legal groundwork for a fast-track appeals process. — Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 17 Aug. 2026

Local advocates acknowledge that Fanestil helped lay the groundwork for such a vision. — Alexandra Mendoza, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Aug. 2026

While data center securitizations have been around for years, the Nvidia announcement kicks it up to a new level, and the SEC has laid the groundwork in support of the rampup, legal specialists in the field told CNBC. — Tobias Burns, CNBC, 17 Aug. 2026

The offensive line, which easily weighs close to 1,500 pounds, laid the groundwork for running back Ashton Norris, who ran for nearly 200 yards. — Chris Hays, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing groundwork

• lay the groundwork/foundation

Rhymes for groundwork

• artwork
• beadwork
• berserk
• breastwork
• brickwork
• brushwork
• casework
• classwork
• clockwork
• coursework
• ductwork
• earthwork

Kids Definition

groundwork

noun

ground·​work ˈgrau̇n-ˌdwərk 

: foundation sense 2, basis