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

Most of TC Energy’s earnings are underpinning by rate-regulated or long-term “take-or-pay” contracts, offering stability in cash flows and limited exposure to commodity price moves.

From The Wall Street Journal

That type of divergence has piqued the interest of investors who question how to value AI’s ultimate payoff or struggle to understand the financial arrangements underpinning massive infrastructure spending.

From The Wall Street Journal

To finance its artificial-intelligence ambitions, Oracle is looking to raise more money at a time when Wall Street has gotten more worried about the level of financing underpinning the AI boom.

From MarketWatch

To finance its artificial-intelligence ambitions, Oracle is looking to raise more money, which could further stoke Wall Street’s fears about the level of financing underpinning the AI boom.

From MarketWatch

It has since rebuilt, and now partners with firms such as Nvidia, providing the essential infrastructure underpinning AI.

From BBC