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

• 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

And a new study by UC San Diego’s School of Medicine concludes that a new approach may lay the groundwork for faster, cheaper and more accessible testing by using a simple blood exam instead of more invasive measures. —Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Sep. 2025

Instead, the prequel tells the story of anonymous heroes making the ultimate sacrifice, laying the groundwork for Spartan 117's later victories. —Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 15 Sep. 2025

His observations about the eccentric characters that populate the Kit Kat Club, like the mysterious Emcee and the British singer Sally Bowles, provide the groundwork for both the musical and his future novel. —Raven Brunner, PEOPLE, 15 Sep. 2025

Ayto did a lot of the groundwork for the signing of Kai Havertz from Chelsea in June 2023. —Andy Naylor, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2025

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