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

During his tenure from 1985-92, Sabean helped lay the groundwork for the Yankees’ late-90s dynasty. — Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 2 Nov. 2026

This Hometown Remix collection is also setting the groundwork for future league-wide efforts with Fanatics, Jennings said. — Ian Thomas, CNBC, 2 Nov. 2026

The collaboration lays the groundwork for a broader, multiyear relationship. — Sportico Staff, Sportico.com, 30 Oct. 2026

Angst-filled and politically pointed, Ministry became a vanguard of industrial rock, with Jourgensen as majordomo, launching side projects such as Revolting Cocks and Lard and providing the groundwork for the all-star collective Pigface. — Gary Graff, Billboard, 30 Oct. 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