underpinning

American  

[uhn-der-pin-ing] / ˈʌn dərˌpɪn ɪŋ /

noun

1. a system of supports beneath a wall or the like.

2. Often underpinnings. a foundation or basis.

   to uncover the emotional underpinnings of an illness.

3. Informal. underpinnings,

   1. underwear, especially women's underwear.

   2. the legs.

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underpinning British  

/ ˈʌndəˌpɪnɪŋ /

noun

1. a structure of masonry, concrete, etc, placed beneath a wall to provide support

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Etymology

Origin of underpinning

First recorded in 1480–90; under + pin + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

Indeed, strong corporate earnings and upbeat forecasts for the year ahead are underpinning the advance.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 1, 2026

The business logic underpinning all of it is a subscription model that distinguishes the Times sharply from traditional game companies.

From Barron's • May 16, 2026

Yet "the talent, capital, and supply chains underpinning the field are deeply intertwined across the United States and China," said Grace Shao, a China AI analyst and author of the AI Proem newsletter.

From Barron's • May 13, 2026

Chongqing leads the country in car manufacturing, underpinning China's position as the world's largest car-maker.

From BBC • May 12, 2026

The thesis is misnamed, because, as it is usually formulated, Duhem did not hold it and Quine abandoned it, but it is the fundamental conceptual underpinning of much modern history and philosophy of science.

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton