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

Like most social signals, the conventions around eye contact have evolutionary underpinnings. — Margaux Anbouba, Vogue, 20 Oct. 2026

These findings, if confirmed, could explain the biological underpinnings behind why treating prenatal depression is so critical. — Catherine Demers, The Conversation, 16 Oct. 2026

But their emergence also underscores how much psychiatry still needs to learn about the biological underpinnings of depression and why patients respond differently to treatment. — Meghana Keshavan, STAT, 15 Oct. 2026

For twenty years, McCarthy has been swimming against the current, writing novels that reflect, with unusual intensity, his disdain for the conventional underpinnings of literary fiction. — Max Callimanopulos, New Yorker, 14 Oct. 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