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

And now, OpenAI is, according to news reports, laying the groundwork for an initial public offering that could value the company at up to $1 trillion, in what would be the largest IPO ever and a first for a former nonprofit. —Sharon Goldman, Fortune, 5 Nov. 2025

Later, his experience with advanced systems set the groundwork for his academic and writing career. —K. H. Koehler, USA Today, 4 Nov. 2025

Its parent company OpenAI is reportedly laying the groundwork for an IPO that could value it at up to $1 trillion. —Matt Egan, CNN Money, 3 Nov. 2025

His story and downfall laid the groundwork for later financial scandals like Enron and Bernie Madoff. —Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 3 Nov. 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