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
Susan Reiter Examples of groundwork in a Sentence
they had collectively laid the groundwork for a new kind of art
Recent Examples on the Web
Speeches land as heartfelt confessions as hesitant characters gently lay the groundwork until the moment of avowal becomes unavoidable.
—Sophie Monks Kaufman, IndieWire, 17 Feb. 2026
Chiles said alumni laid the groundwork for athletes to express themselves, and Sumanaserkera said she has felt welcomed as a Sri Lankan American at UCLA.
—Dakayla Hawkins, Daily News, 15 Feb. 2026
But after the groundwork is laid in the first episode — Carolyn is self-determined; John is at a loss — subsequent events don’t deepen those characterizations as much as reinforce them.
—Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 13 Feb. 2026
The project became public in September, when the Major Arena Soccer League awarded the Sacramento region two soccer teams — one men’s and one women’s — and Rancho Cordova officials inked an initial deal laying the groundwork for public contributions of land and tax revenues.
—Camryn Dadey, Sacbee.com, 13 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for groundwork
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Sophie Monks Kaufman, IndieWire, 17 Feb. 2026
Chiles said alumni laid the groundwork for athletes to express themselves, and Sumanaserkera said she has felt welcomed as a Sri Lankan American at UCLA.
—Dakayla Hawkins, Daily News, 15 Feb. 2026
But after the groundwork is laid in the first episode — Carolyn is self-determined; John is at a loss — subsequent events don’t deepen those characterizations as much as reinforce them.
—Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 13 Feb. 2026
The project became public in September, when the Major Arena Soccer League awarded the Sacramento region two soccer teams — one men’s and one women’s — and Rancho Cordova officials inked an initial deal laying the groundwork for public contributions of land and tax revenues.
—Camryn Dadey, Sacbee.com, 13 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for groundwork
Cite this Entry
“Groundwork.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/groundwork. Accessed 26 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
groundwork
noun
ground·work
ˈgrau̇n-ˌdwərk
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