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 of groundwork

• 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

Their experiences and connections can help lay the groundwork for a successful transition. — R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 3 Aug. 2026

Last summer, flight attendants at Air Canada, the country’s largest carrier, stranded more than 100,000 travelers during peak travel season with a strike partly over the same issue of unpaid groundwork. — ABC News, 3 Aug. 2026

Commercial groundwork expands Flight demonstrations represent only one part of Archer’s preparation for commercial service. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 3 Aug. 2026

In contrast, Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury began laying the groundwork for the next round of competition much earlier. — CNBC, 3 Aug. 2026

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