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
3
: underwear
—usually used in plural
4
: a person's legs
—usually used in plural
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
Image The presence of American troops has been the underpinning of 80 years of peace in Western Europe since the end of World War II.
—
Paul Sonne, New York Times, 16 Feb. 2025
Shedd’s role at TTS shows one way Musk is placing his allies in agencies across the government as part of his sweeping effort to remake the federal workforce, cut trillions from the government’s budget and revamp its tech underpinnings.
—Cyrus Farivar, Forbes, 11 Feb. 2025
At the same time, the theater world, particularly in the non-profit space, has suffered from declining attendance that threatens its financial underpinnings.
—Brent Lang, Variety, 10 Feb. 2025
Despite its racist underpinnings, my grandmother loved Gone with the Wind and was always inspired by Margaret Mitchell's transformation of her family stories into a sweeping epic.
—Erin Crosby Eckstine, People.com, 7 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for underpinning
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Paul Sonne, New York Times, 16 Feb. 2025
Shedd’s role at TTS shows one way Musk is placing his allies in agencies across the government as part of his sweeping effort to remake the federal workforce, cut trillions from the government’s budget and revamp its tech underpinnings.
—Cyrus Farivar, Forbes, 11 Feb. 2025
At the same time, the theater world, particularly in the non-profit space, has suffered from declining attendance that threatens its financial underpinnings.
—Brent Lang, Variety, 10 Feb. 2025
Despite its racist underpinnings, my grandmother loved Gone with the Wind and was always inspired by Margaret Mitchell's transformation of her family stories into a sweeping epic.
—Erin Crosby Eckstine, People.com, 7 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for underpinning
Cite this Entry
“Underpinning.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underpinning. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
underpinning
noun
un·der·pin·ning
ˈən-dər-ˌpin-iŋ
1
: the foundation used for support of a structure
2
3
: a person's legs
—usually used in plural
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