noun
Uncommon
groundwork
Groundwork (noun) means the basic preparatory work that everything else is built on. Example: “She spent months laying the groundwork for the merger before announcing it publicly.”
noun
1
The basic preparatory work that everything else is built on.
"She spent months laying the groundwork for the merger before announcing it publicly."
"The early research laid the groundwork for later breakthroughs in the field."
How to use groundwork
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe essential early preparation that makes later success possible.
Common pairings
lay the groundwork
do the groundwork
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Word forms
- Plural
- groundworks
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She spent months laying the _____ for the merger before announcing it publicly.
Etymology
A compound of ground and work, literally the work done on or forming the ground/foundation of something.
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “groundwork” mean?
The word “groundwork” means the basic preparatory work that everything else is built on. In plain terms, the essential early preparation that makes later success possible.
How do you use “groundwork” in a sentence?
Here is “groundwork” used in a sentence: “She spent months laying the groundwork for the merger before announcing it publicly.”
What part of speech is “groundwork”?
“Groundwork” is a noun.
Is “groundwork” a common word?
“Groundwork” is an uncommon word in modern English.
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