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 review stage has now arrived, with three meetings now scheduled for the coming weeks that should define what will change for F1 in 2026 and lay the groundwork for greater alterations from 2027. —Luke Smith, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026

On April 3, the FTC published its FY 2026–30 Strategic Plan, following much of the same groundwork. —Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 8 Apr. 2026

Mackler pointed to recent Democratic overperformance — even in difficult political environments — as evidence that the groundwork is already being laid. —Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 8 Apr. 2026

The photos will help inform scientists’ understanding of the moon and its origins — and lay the groundwork for future missions to the lunar surface. —Jacopo Prisco, CNN Money, 7 Apr. 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