groundwork

[ground-wurk]

noun

1. foundation or basis.

   He laid the groundwork for an international conference.

groundwork

/ ˈɡraʊndˌwɜːk /

noun

1. preliminary work as a foundation or basis

2. the ground or background of a painting, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of groundwork¹

First recorded in 1540–50; ground ¹ + work

Example Sentences

Then there were the great plate appearances in the 11th inning that laid the groundwork for the error.

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The authors propose to force all Medicare patients into private Medicare Advantage plans by making it the default option, laying the groundwork to fully privatize Medicare.

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But Netanyahu will have to decide whether to release high-profile Palestinian prisoners and lay the groundwork for an agreement that ends the war, both of which could face opposition from far-right members of his government.

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It points to an end to this shutdown, and lays the groundwork for another one.

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On the busy avenues populated not by residents but by construction workers and carpenters laying the groundwork for a new Palisades.

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Related Words

• preparation 

When To Use

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.