groundwork

American  

[ground-wurk] / ˈgraʊndˌwɜrk /

noun

1. foundation or basis.

   He laid the groundwork for an international conference.

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groundwork British  

/ ˈɡraʊndˌwɜːk /

noun

1. preliminary work as a foundation or basis

2. the ground or background of a painting, etc

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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

First recorded in 1540–50; ground ¹ + work

Example Sentences

“So we’re investing in and improving our core technologies, battery, powertrain, AI software, AI training, chip design, manufacturing, laying the groundwork for significantly increased manufacturing production.”

From MarketWatch • Apr. 24, 2026

The investigation centered on alleged incidents that occurred between 2006 and 2013 — the peak of Brand’s Hollywood fame — and laid the groundwork for additional complaints against the raunchy comedian to come to light.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 23, 2026

Head says he learned laying the groundwork for successful action took time before any operational activity took place, and the same applies to cooperating with tech firms.

From BBC • Apr. 18, 2026

In his self-published “Baseball Abstract,” James laid the groundwork for the revolution to come.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

Of course, he’d laid the groundwork for his secret project when he first built the Argo II, but he hadn’t told anyone about it.

From "Blood of Olympus" by Rick Riordan

Related Words

• preparation