underpin
verb (used with object)
to prop up or support from below; strengthen, as by reinforcing a foundation.
underpinned
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past participleof underpin.past participle
A verb form used in perfect and passive verb constructions and that can also function as a modifier.
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past tense formof underpin.past tense
Used to describe completed actions or previous habitual actions.
underpinverb (used with object)to prop up or support from below; strengthen, as by reinforcing a foundation.
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.
Based in a city of more than half a million people, their potential is underpinned by a large, passionate fanbase who averaged over 30,000 for home games in the second tier last term.
From BBC ● Oct. 10, 2026
A major reason homeownership underpinned wealth for previous generations is that a mortgage can function as a sort of forced savings account.
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 16, 2026
In the longer term, demand for platinum will be underpinned by the rapid build-out of artificial intelligence, said Trevor Raymond, the council’s chief executive.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 9, 2026
Many of the ongoing fires have been burning across Sumatra and Indonesian Borneo since mid-July – underpinned by a so-called Super El Niño that is exacerbating drought conditions.
From BBC ● Sep. 3, 2026
It simply interested him—greatly—how all the cultures of Zeru were underpinned by the same story.
From "Strange the Dreamer" by Laini Taylor
