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

This technology could improve immediate operating room safety and lay the groundwork to expand access to specialized healthcare on a broader scale. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 7 Sep. 2026

Not starting from scratch Fortunately, the groundwork for Canada’s expansion into Asia has already been laid. — Barrett Bingley, Fortune, 7 Sep. 2026

Long before September 11, the groundwork for global terror was quietly taking shape. — FOXNews.com, 4 Sep. 2026

The mistrust of officialdom about the attack and the war in Iraq that ensued helped lay the groundwork for current-day conspiracy theories about school shootings and election fraud. — Susan Page, USA Today, 1 Sep. 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