Showing Results for "underpinning"

See Also:

• present participle of underpin.

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

That is the same theory underpinning the controversial airstrikes since September on alleged drug traffickers' boats in the Caribbean and the Pacific.

From Barron's • May 29, 2026

Also underpinning the RBA’s decision to tighten policy further were signs the economy remains fundamentally strong despite growing shocks.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 19, 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

His pace and dribbling quality have always been best in class - underpinning a unique profile in the modern game.

From BBC • May 16, 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