groundwork
Americannoun
noun
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preliminary work as a foundation or basis
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the ground or background of a painting, etc
Usage
What is groundwork? Groundwork is a foundation or basis. Groundwork can describe an actual plot of land for a building or construct, but it can also be used figuratively to describe the beginnings of a negotiation or agreement. Example: I’m laying the groundwork for a new partnership right now.
Etymology
Origin of groundwork
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Head says he learned laying the groundwork for successful action took time before any operational activity took place, and the same applies to cooperating with tech firms.
From BBC • Apr. 18, 2026
If recent stabilization holds, this deeply out-of-favor group may finally be laying the groundwork for a more durable upward turn.
From Barron's • Apr. 14, 2026
But the principle — lay the groundwork, then count on timing and good fortune — could apply here.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 14, 2026
"Our proof-of-concept device showcases rapid, scalable charging and energy storage at room temperature, laying the groundwork for next-gen energy solutions," he said.
From Science Daily • Apr. 4, 2026
The question I ask is not ‘Were Regiomontanus and Hobbes right about mathematics?’ but ‘How did their understanding of mathematics help lay the groundwork for reliable scientific knowledge?’
From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
