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
Zoomed with Variety to talk about both the practical and theoretical underpinnings of this challenging achievement.
—
Chris Willman, Variety, 23 Jan. 2026
The underpinnings of the state investment was selling premium seating at a higher price and attracting more concerts — major money-makers for modern arenas — with the aim of reversing a money-losing track record.
—Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 22 Jan. 2026
The easiest way to avoid frostbite is to layer strategically, more specifically, embrace thermal underpinnings.
—Jasmine Fox-Suliaman, InStyle, 21 Jan. 2026
Understanding the physiological underpinnings of movement transforms our view of marine predators from passive actors reacting to the environment to active participants whose internal condition determines the scale, timing, and consequences of their interactions with the ocean.
—Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 19 Jan. 2026
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Chris Willman, Variety, 23 Jan. 2026
The underpinnings of the state investment was selling premium seating at a higher price and attracting more concerts — major money-makers for modern arenas — with the aim of reversing a money-losing track record.
—Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 22 Jan. 2026
The easiest way to avoid frostbite is to layer strategically, more specifically, embrace thermal underpinnings.
—Jasmine Fox-Suliaman, InStyle, 21 Jan. 2026
Understanding the physiological underpinnings of movement transforms our view of marine predators from passive actors reacting to the environment to active participants whose internal condition determines the scale, timing, and consequences of their interactions with the ocean.
—Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 19 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for underpinning
Cite this Entry
“Underpinning.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underpinning. Accessed 30 Jan. 2026.
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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