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Synonyms

groundwork

American  
[ground-wurk] / ˈgraʊndˌwɜrk /

noun

  1. foundation or basis.

    He laid the groundwork for an international conference.
groundwork British  
/ ˈɡraʊndˌwɜːk /

noun

  1. preliminary work as a foundation or basis

  2. the ground or background of a painting, etc

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

If recent stabilization holds, this deeply out-of-favor group may finally be laying the groundwork for a more durable upward turn.

From Barron's • Apr. 14, 2026

But the principle — lay the groundwork, then count on timing and good fortune — could apply here.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 14, 2026

She may actually be strategically laying the groundwork for him to think about doing this right next time.

From Slate • Apr. 10, 2026

“I will not wait on events while dangers gather,” he declared to Congress, laying the groundwork for preemptive action.

From Salon • Apr. 8, 2026

Luckily, Katherine has already laid most of the groundwork for me.

From "Dread Nation" by Justina Ireland

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.