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

Beyond the world title pictures, Redemption also began laying the groundwork for the undercard. — Rob Wolkenbrod, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026

In 2001, Oklahoma legislators passed the Tulsa Riot Reconciliation Act, laying the groundwork for a memorial to commemorate the victims of the massacre. — Literary Hub, 27 July 2026

The groundwork laid by the rovers and other Mars orbiters, landers and probes could someday help humanity take its first steps on another planet. — Brett Tingley, Space.com, 27 July 2026

Mackenzie also helped lay the groundwork for the authority’s passage of multiple funding measures, including Measure Q in 2014, Measure T in 2020 and Measure D in June. — Anne Gelhaus, Mercury News, 26 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