groundbreaking

adjective

ground·​break·​ing ˈgrau̇n(d)-ˌbrā-kiŋ 

: introducing new ideas or methods

has written a groundbreaking work

Examples of groundbreaking in a Sentence

She was honored for her groundbreaking work in nuclear physics.

Recent Examples on the Web

This documentary explores the life and legacy of Sly Stone and his groundbreaking band, Sly & the Family Stone, while delving into the broader themes of the pressures and complexities faced by Black artists navigating success. —Hilary Lewis, HollywoodReporter, 9 Apr. 2026

White was speaking at a groundbreaking event Tuesday at the agency’s Anderson-Magnarelli Valley Laboratory in Windsor, where the major renovations will begin later this month. —Angela Eichhorst, Hartford Courant, 2 Apr. 2026

The cast’s press tour looks have been killer, with Meryl Streep’s earning a groundbreaking (wink, wink) rating from me. —Eva Thomas, InStyle, 2 Apr. 2026

Cats is one of the most groundbreaking musicals in theater history. —Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 31 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1904, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for groundbreaking

• awaking
• backbreaking
• bookmaking
• breathtaking
• brickmaking
• caretaking
• dressmaking
• filmmaking
• forsaking
• glassmaking
• haymaking
• heartbreaking