foundational

adjective

foun·​da·​tion·​al fau̇n-ˈdā-sh(ə-)nəl 

: of, relating to, or forming or serving as a base or foundation : fundamental

foundational principles/doctrines

These foundational volumes proved to be, each in its own way, enabling gestures for the growth of sophisticated theories and critical practices in African, Caribbean, and African American literatures.

—Henry Louis Gates, Jr.

Property was, in a sense, foundational to culture, since English political economy rested on the private ownership of land, and the political economy, in turn, largely structured social relations.

—Jill Lepore

Philosophy is a foundational discipline. Not only does it do the spadework that makes the construction of other disciplines possible; it also pays constant attention to the foundations of those disciplines as they are practiced.

—Cognitive Science

foundationally adverb

Examples of foundational in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Despite rapid revenue growth from AI infrastructure, Solowin is investing heavily in expansion, recognizing this as a foundational shift in financial infrastructure, comparable to credit cards. — Boaz Sobrado, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026

Connection, wellbeing, and growth are foundational at Patina, shaping experiences that leave lasting impressions which resonate well beyond your stay. — Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Aug. 2026

But the thing is, barre does help, just by working on your hips and legs and maintaining that foundational stability of the body. — Amber Raiken, Verywell Health, 29 Aug. 2026

Essentially, said Buscaino, governments are helping to create demand for the foundational infrastructure. — Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 28 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1657, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for foundational

• formational
• gestational
• gradational
• locational
• mutational
• notational
• relational
• rotational
• sensational
• translational
• vibrational
• vocational