groundwork

noun

ground·​work ˈgrau̇nd-ˌwərk How to pronounce groundwork (audio)
Synonyms of groundworknext
: foundation, basis
laid the groundwork for a new program
also : preparation made beforehand
The groundwork was done before the winter tour. Susan Reiter

Examples of groundwork in a Sentence

they had collectively laid the groundwork for a new kind of art
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
These small shifts in perspective lay the groundwork for a lifetime of generosity and civic awareness, says Mucino-Sanchez. Lauryn Higgins, Parents, 31 Dec. 2025 In 2012, her team demonstrated the world’s first single-atom transistor and the narrowest conducting wires ever built in silicon, laying the groundwork for a radically different approach to quantum computing. Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 31 Dec. 2025 As the moon and Mars take center stage in human spaceflight, scientists are leveraging existing space missions to lay the groundwork for a sustained human presence off-planet. Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 31 Dec. 2025 All of this emotional groundwork becomes crucial, because when Jupiter enters Leo on June 30th for a 13-month stay… everything accelerates. Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 23 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for groundwork

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of groundwork was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Groundwork.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/groundwork. Accessed 1 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

groundwork

noun
ground·​work ˈgrau̇n-ˌdwərk How to pronounce groundwork (audio)

More from Merriam-Webster on groundwork

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