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

• base
• basis
• bedrock
• bottom
• cornerstone
• footing
• foundation
• ground
• keystone
• root
• underpinning
• warp
• warp and woof

Examples of groundwork in a Sentence

they had collectively laid the groundwork for a new kind of art

Recent Examples on the Web

While Rhimes and Brownell have plans to tell the entire eight-book story, and have already laid the groundwork for Eloise and Francesca’s coming plots, Netflix has only formally renewed the show through Season 4. —Ellise Shafer, Variety, 23 July 2024

Garrison Trump raises questions about the next debate Is Trump laying the groundwork to forgo a debate against Harris (or any other Democrat)? —Joey Garrison, USA TODAY, 22 July 2024

Monterrey was founded by Sephardic Jews working as shepherds in the late 16th century, and they’re credited with laying the groundwork for the city’s flagship dish of cabrito al pastor, kid goat roasted on a spit. —Benjy Egel, Sacramento Bee, 21 July 2024

According to Friends of the Mahoning River, this watershed played a significant role in the development of Youngstown, Ohio, laying the groundwork for population and industrial growth in the 19th and 20th centuries. —Mariyam Muhammad, The Enquirer, 20 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing groundwork

• lay the groundwork/foundation

Kids Definition

groundwork

noun

ground·​work ˈgrau̇n-ˌdwərk 

: foundation sense 2, basis