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.
But Chinese officials expected no less after warning Trump’s team before the summit that its minimal preparation had failed to lay the groundwork for diplomatic agreements.
From Los Angeles Times • May 17, 2026
Communities have been laying the groundwork for offshore energy projects for years.
From Salon • May 9, 2026
The companies in his delegation—including Hunt Oil, Repsol, Eni, Halliburton, Petroquímica de Venezuela and several trading firms—are expected to sign memorandums of understanding to lay the groundwork to operate in Venezuela.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 1, 2026
Last July, the EU had laid the groundwork for possible retaliation if talks with Washington fell through -- preparing a list of US goods that could be targeted.
From Barron's • May 1, 2026
“I reckon I can. I’ll describe your hangdog look and shoeless state for her too. Lay you a good solid groundwork for some groveling.”
From "The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss
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.
