underpinning

[ uhn-der-pin-ing ]
/ ˈʌn dərˌpɪn ɪŋ /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR underpinning ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

a system of supports beneath a wall or the like.
Often underpinnings. a foundation or basis: to uncover the emotional underpinnings of an illness.
underpinnings, Informal.
  1. underwear, especially women's underwear.
  2. the legs.

QUIZZES

DO YOU KNOW THIS VOCABULARY FROM "THE HANDMAID'S TALE"?

"The Handmaid's Tale" was required reading for many of us in school. Everyone else has probably watched the very popular and addictive TV show. Do you remember this vocabulary from the book, and do you know what these terms mean?
Question 1 of 10
decorum
the act of or need for making up one's mind.
dignified propriety of behavior, speech, dress, etc.
a company of singers, especially an organized group employed in church service.
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Origin of underpinning

First recorded in 1480–90; under + pin + -ing1

Words nearby underpinning

underpart, underpass, underpay, underperform, underpin, underpinning, underpinnings, underpitch vault, underplant, underplay, underplot
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Words related to underpinnings

support, base, ground, foundation, groundwork, substructure, basis, reinforcement

Example sentences from the Web for underpinnings

British Dictionary definitions for underpinnings (1 of 2)

underpinnings
/ (ˈʌndəˌpɪnɪŋz) /

pl n

any supporting structure or system

British Dictionary definitions for underpinnings (2 of 2)

underpinning
/ (ˈʌndəˌpɪnɪŋ) /

noun

a structure of masonry, concrete, etc, placed beneath a wall to provide support
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