underpinning
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
3
: underwear
—usually used in plural
4
: a person's legs
—usually used in plural
Examples of underpinning in a Sentence
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
Such is the case with a machine all but forgotten through time, though pivotal in forging the early underpinnings of a now-fabled automaker’s legacy.
—
Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 9 June 2025
Taken together, these developments suggest that market participants are placing greater emphasis on companies that provide the technical underpinnings of broader digital ecosystems.
—Arthur Mouratov, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
With sufficient legal underpinning—including reciprocal access agreements among the three Asian allies— each of these arrangements could be expanded to include forces from the other members.
—Ely Ratner, Foreign Affairs, 27 May 2025
This philosophical underpinning drives the company beyond mere resurrection spectacles — a critique often levied by academic skeptics following the company’s milestone de-extinction announcement.
—Nia Bowers, USA Today, 24 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for underpinning
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Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 9 June 2025
Taken together, these developments suggest that market participants are placing greater emphasis on companies that provide the technical underpinnings of broader digital ecosystems.
—Arthur Mouratov, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
With sufficient legal underpinning—including reciprocal access agreements among the three Asian allies— each of these arrangements could be expanded to include forces from the other members.
—Ely Ratner, Foreign Affairs, 27 May 2025
This philosophical underpinning drives the company beyond mere resurrection spectacles — a critique often levied by academic skeptics following the company’s milestone de-extinction announcement.
—Nia Bowers, USA Today, 24 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for underpinning
Cite this Entry
“Underpinning.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underpinning. Accessed 28 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
underpinning
noun
un·der·pin·ning
ˈən-dər-ˌpin-iŋ
1
: the foundation used for support of a structure
2
3
: a person's legs
—usually used in plural
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