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

The company has already laid significant groundwork, launching pre-orders on June 25, revealing cover art, and releasing 60 new screenshots. — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026

The groundwork for delaying a revaluation in Hartford was set out months ago. — Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 19 July 2026

By hiding violence inside a gift, Nolan suggests that Odysseus and his men lay the groundwork for humanity’s undoing. — Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 19 July 2026

And his impact was much greater, laying the groundwork for his subsequent successes. — Juan Claudio Matossian, Vanity Fair, 19 July 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