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

The European Union’s executive arm has introduced measures to lay the groundwork for such schemes, and also introduced measures to strip protections for people under deportation orders. —Frey Lindsay, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025

Craft and his team have been laying the groundwork for a jazz festival resurgence, building on successful events in Elk Grove and now extending into Sacramento proper. —Cathie Anderson, Sacbee.com, 25 May 2025

Floridians also lack a good explanation for an earlier appellate-court ruling, this one heard by the First District Court of Appeal, that appears to lay the groundwork for the decision released last week. —Orlando Sentinel, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 May 2025

The episode also playfully laid the groundwork for the sparring partners to go at it again in a future season. —Charlie Mason, TVLine, 21 May 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