foundation

noun

foun·​da·​tion fau̇n-ˈdā-shən 

1

: the act of founding

here since the foundation of the school

2

: a basis (such as a tenet, principle, or axiom) upon which something stands or is supported

the foundations of geometry

the rumor is without foundation in fact

3

a

: funds given for the permanent support of an institution : endowment

b

: an organization or institution established by endowment with provision for future maintenance

a trust administered by a foundation

4

: an underlying base or support

especially : the whole masonry substructure of a building

5

a

: a body or ground upon which something is built up or overlaid

a limestone foundation

b

: a woman's supporting undergarment : corset

c

: a cosmetic usually used as a base for makeup

foundationless

fau̇n-ˈdā-shən-ləs 

adjective

Synonyms

• establishment
• institute
• institution

Examples of foundation in a Sentence

The inspector discovered a crack in the house's foundation.

The book explains the moral foundations on which her political career was built.

These problems threaten the very foundations of modern society.

The scandal has shaken the government to its foundations.

They established a foundation to help orphaned children.

Recent Examples on the Web

Drawing on a unique educational foundation that combines mechanical engineering, business, metaphysics, and computer science, Gopi connects patterns that others might miss through his academic research. —Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 16 May 2025

Citrus: The Backbone of the Bar Cart Best with: Vodka, gin, tequila, rum, whiskey If cocktails had a flavor foundation, citrus would be it. —Emily Price, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025

Regarding her principles and convictions as a filmmaker, Brennand credits her paternal grandfather for giving her a strong ethical foundation. —Lauren Coates, Variety, 16 May 2025

Shin kickers and road runners form the foundation of his 3-4-3. —Carl Anka, New York Times, 16 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English fundacioun, borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French fundacion, borrowed from Latin fundātiōn-, fundātiō, from fundāre "to found entry 4" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing foundation

• foundation stone
• lay a/the foundation
• lay the groundwork/foundation

Rhymes for foundation

• ablation
• bination
• carnation
• cassation
• castration
• causation
• centration
• cessation
• cetacean
• chelation
• citation
• collation

Kids Definition

foundation

noun

foun·​da·​tion fau̇n-ˈdā-shən 

1

: the act of founding

2

: the support upon which something rests

a house with a cinder-block foundation

suspicions with no foundation in fact

3

: funds given for the permanent support of an institution

also : an institution supported by such funds

foundational

-shnəl 

-shən-ᵊl

adjective

Legal Definition

foundation

noun

foun·​da·​tion

1

: a basis upon which something stands or is supported

specifically : a witness's preliminary testimony given to identify or explain evidence being offered at trial and establish its connection to the issue for which it is offered

the lack of any foundation for the orthopedic surgeon's familiarity with the…standard of care rendered the surgeon's opinion testimony inadmissible

—National Law Journal

Note: Before evidence can be admitted at trial, the foundation for it must be laid by the party offering it. A foundation must also be laid for the qualification of a witness as an expert, or for the assertion of a privilege.

2

a

: funds given for the permanent support of an institution : endowment

b

: an organization or institution established by endowment with provision for future maintenance

foundational adjective