underpin
verb (used with object)
to prop up or support from below; strengthen, as by reinforcing a foundation.
were underpinning
-
past progressiveof underpin.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
She said tight labour markets and high oil prices were underpinning fears that inflation could be sticky.
From Reuters ● Oct. 25, 2023
By late 2006, loans originated by Washington Mutual and a subsidiary called Long Beach were underpinning mortgage securities, and some Wall Street traders were ahead in seeing the problems.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 13, 2011
Park said expectations for an increase in demand for technology products in the U.S. were underpinning the sector.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 23, 2010
