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

The goal is $100k to cover attorneys’ fees for drawing up investor documents and disclosures laying the groundwork for an offer. —Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 30 May 2026

Pioneers, of course, also famously lay the groundwork for more people to follow in their footsteps. —Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 29 May 2026

Her parents, immigrants to the United States from the Philippines, laid the groundwork for her success in school by example of their own perseverance, resilience and hard work. —Holly Andres, Daily News, 29 May 2026

That dire prognosis laid the groundwork for Link's rescue mission, which NASA funded via a $30 million contract with Katalyst. —Mike Wall, Space.com, 28 May 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