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

Lyles successfully championed a 1% sales tax referendum after years of laying the groundwork. —Nick Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 10 Sep. 2025

Paired with adaptive dampers, this hardware enables advanced driver-assistance features and lays the groundwork for future updates. —New Atlas, 9 Sep. 2025

Young Hamnet’s shuffling off this mortal coil once laid the groundwork for a masterpiece. —David Fear, Rolling Stone, 8 Sep. 2025

The companies building them are laying the groundwork for a future that’s more efficient and more resilient — and, if developed thoughtfully, one that augments work without losing the critical role people play. —Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 8 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