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
1
New and innovative; doing something that hasn't been done before.
"The latest model includes several groundbreaking features and improvements."
"The study was groundbreaking in how it treated the disease."
noun
1
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 notesIn 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
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Word forms
- Plural
- groundbreakings
- Comparative
- more groundbreaking
- Superlative
- most groundbreaking
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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
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for groundbreaking
See all rhymes for groundbreaking →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.
