underpinning

1 of 2

noun

un·​der·​pin·​ning ˈən-dər-ˌpi-niŋ 

1

: the material and construction (such as a foundation) used for support of a structure

2

: something that serves as a foundation : basis, support

—often plural

the philosophical underpinnings of educational methods

3

: underwear

—usually plural

4

: a person's legs

—usually plural

underpinning

2 of 2

present participle of underpin

Synonyms of underpinning

Noun

• basis
• foundation
• bedrock
• cornerstone

Examples of underpinning in a Sentence

Noun

the underpinnings of the theory have recently been called into question

the underpinnings of the bridge were seriously damaged in the collision

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Underneath the bodywork are some relatively familiar underpinnings; Bentley shares technology with Porsche as both are part of the greater Volkswagen Group empire. — Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 23 Sep. 2026

Other people will argue that there was a cultural change happening with rock music as the underpinning, and something was going to have this societal-shifting effect. — Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 22 Sep. 2026

That dichotomy between health and dreams is the underpinning beneath the novelty of Buzzard’s college football odyssey. — Christian Babcock, Mercury News, 30 Aug. 2026

That commitment became the underpinning for Paramount's offer to sign contracts with Hollywood exhibitors, at least one of which took the offer, according to the person familiar. — Lillian Rizzo, CNBC, 24 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for underpinning

• beginning
• binning
• dinning
• ginning
• grinning
• inning
• pinning
• sinning
• skinning
• spinning
• thinning
• tinning

Kids Definition

underpinning

noun

un·​der·​pin·​ning ˈən-dər-ˌpin-iŋ 

1

: the foundation used for support of a structure

2

: prop entry 1, support

3

: a person's legs

—usually used in plural