underpinning

noun

un·​der·​pin·​ning ˈən-dər-ˌpi-niŋ 

1

: the material and construction (such as a foundation) used for support of a structure

2

: something that serves as a foundation : basis, support

—often used in plural

the philosophical underpinnings of educational methods

3

: underwear

—usually used in plural

4

: a person's legs

—usually used in plural

Synonyms

• base
• basis
• bedrock
• bottom
• cornerstone
• footing
• foundation
• ground
• groundwork
• keystone
• root
• warp
• warp and woof

Examples of underpinning in a Sentence

the underpinnings of the theory have recently been called into question

the underpinnings of the bridge were seriously damaged in the collision

Recent Examples on the Web

Donna Karan turned virtually every underpinning into a bodysuit. —Arthur Elgort, Vogue, 21 June 2024

Hacks is deeply self-aware, with its sharpness balancing its optimistic sitcom underpinnings. —Alex Abad-Santos, Vox, 23 May 2024

It’s all funneled back into a conventional sporting underdog narrative — and in a more literal sense than usual — but the sentimental underpinnings aren’t nearly as silly as the sight of a dog-body squeezed into a basketball pinny. —Charles Bramesco, Vulture, 5 Feb. 2024

The absence of financial underpinning leaves the stock vulnerable to major declines even in response to mildly negative or routine news, experts previously told ABC News. —Max Zahn, ABC News, 31 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

underpinning

noun

un·​der·​pin·​ning ˈən-dər-ˌpin-iŋ 

1

: the foundation used for support of a structure

2

: prop entry 1, support

3

: a person's legs

—usually used in plural