adjective Uncommon

groundbreaking

GROWND-bray-kihng

Groundbreaking (adjective) means New and innovative; doing something that hasn't been done before. Example: “The study was groundbreaking in how it treated the disease.”

adjective

New and innovative; doing something that hasn't been done before.

"The study was groundbreaking in how it treated the disease."

noun

A ceremony marking the start of construction on a building.

"The mayor attended the groundbreaking for the new hospital."

How to use groundbreaking

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSomething highly original and pioneering, or the ceremony that kicks off a building project.

Common pairings

groundbreaking research groundbreaking discovery hold a groundbreaking ceremony

Word forms

more groundbreaking comparative, groundbreakings plural, most groundbreaking superlative

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The study was _____ in how it treated the disease.

Etymology

From ground plus breaking, referring to the literal breaking of ground at the start of a construction project.

Synonyms

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groundbreaking ceremony

Rhymes for groundbreaking

baking making waking taking faking raking shaking leaking quaking soaking braking staking

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Frequently asked questions

What does “groundbreaking” mean?

The word “groundbreaking” means new and innovative; doing something that hasn't been done before. In plain terms, something highly original and pioneering, or the ceremony that kicks off a building project.

How do you pronounce “groundbreaking”?

“Groundbreaking” is pronounced GROWND-bray-kihng (/ˈɡɹaʊndˌbɹeɪkɪŋ/ in IPA).

How do you use “groundbreaking” in a sentence?

Here is “groundbreaking” used in a sentence: “The study was groundbreaking in how it treated the disease.”

What part of speech is “groundbreaking”?

Depending on how it is used, “groundbreaking” can be an adjective and a noun.

Is “groundbreaking” a common word?

“Groundbreaking” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “groundbreaking” have?

“Groundbreaking” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: new and innovative; doing something that hasn't been done before.