underpinning

noun
UK: /ˌʌndəˈpɪnɪŋ/
US: /ˌʌndərˈpɪnɪŋ/

  1. The support or basis of something; a foundation.

    1. Hard work is the underpinning of our success.
    2. Strong leadership is the underpinning element of a successful organization.

  2. Materials used to support or strengthen a building's foundation.

    1. The underpinning of the house needs repair.
    2. They added concrete underpinning to stabilize the old building's base.

Synonyms

foundation buttress groundwork basis shoring support reinforcement
underpinning verb

  1. To support or form the foundation of something.

    1. Trust underpins our relationship.
    2. Research underpins the development of new medical treatments.

  2. To strengthen or support a building's foundation.

    1. They are underpinning the old wall.
    2. The builders underpinned the house before adding a new story to it.

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "underpinning" in English means: The support or basis of something; a foundation., Materials used to support or strengthen a building's foundation..

The phonetic transcription of "underpinning" is /ˌʌndəˈpɪnɪŋ/ in British English and /ˌʌndərˈpɪnɪŋ/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "underpinning": foundation, buttress, groundwork, basis, shoring, support, reinforcement.

Example usage of "underpinning": "Hard work is the underpinning of our success.". More examples on the page.