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

• base
• basis
• bedrock
• bottom
• cornerstone
• footing
• foundation
• ground
• keystone
• root
• underpinning
• warp
• warp and woof

Examples of groundwork in a Sentence

they had collectively laid the groundwork for a new kind of art

Recent Examples on the Web

His memoir illustrated some of the working class frustrations that led to Trump's first victory in 2016, and laid the groundwork for issues that would become central to his politics today – criticism of foreign intervention, free trade policies and betrayal by America’s elites. —Riley Beggin, USA TODAY, 20 Nov. 2024

Bailey, Slater and Bode are more effective, laying the groundwork for significant developments with their characters in Part 2 (at least in the stage musical narrative), while Yeoh and Goldblum reveal by degrees the darker intentions hidden under the cloak of authority. —David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Nov. 2024

These innovations captivated audiences, laying the groundwork for the spectacle and special effects of modern entertainment venues. —Kieron Marchese, Architectural Digest, 19 Nov. 2024

The Department of Defense, which had resisted the upgrades for years due to the steep cost, began paying for them once the free trial ended, laying the groundwork for future Azure consumption. —Renee Dudley, ProPublica, 15 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing groundwork

• lay the groundwork/foundation

Kids Definition

groundwork

noun

ground·​work ˈgrau̇n-ˌdwərk 

: foundation sense 2, basis