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

Embracing this practice also means having open conversations about long‑term care, powers of attorney, and estate plans before they’re needed; the kind of groundwork that gives families confidence and reduces stress when life inevitably shifts. —Andrew Rosen, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026

Schulz plans to launch a full menu of nine new drinks that follow this pattern of doppelgangers later this year, and has already laid the groundwork with the Malicious and three others. —Noah Kaufman, Bon Appetit Magazine, 22 Jan. 2026

Miller is clearly laying the groundwork to invoke the Insurrection Act. —Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 21 Jan. 2026

German scientists have laid the groundwork for the next generation of quantum technologies by developing an ultra-fast, ultra-low-loss optical phase modulator that could enable scalable quantum photonic circuits. —Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 20 Jan. 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