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
Synonyms
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
The Capitalism Unleashed Project — A program dedicated to the moral underpinnings of capitalism.
—
Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes, 25 Oct. 2024
The two men are credited with developing the foundational underpinnings of modern artificial intelligence.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 8 Oct. 2024
It’s set in a small Florida community and revolves around a series of disappearing children with a supernatural underpinning.
—Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 27 Sep. 2024
The Ten Most Beautiful Hikes in the World The 10 Best Short Thru-Hikes in the U.S., Doable in Two Weeks or Less
There were two other criteria, more on the level of logistical details than existential underpinnings.
—Grayson Haver Currin, Outside Online, 9 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for underpinning 
Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes, 25 Oct. 2024
The two men are credited with developing the foundational underpinnings of modern artificial intelligence.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 8 Oct. 2024
It’s set in a small Florida community and revolves around a series of disappearing children with a supernatural underpinning.
—Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 27 Sep. 2024
The Ten Most Beautiful Hikes in the World The 10 Best Short Thru-Hikes in the U.S., Doable in Two Weeks or Less
There were two other criteria, more on the level of logistical details than existential underpinnings.
—Grayson Haver Currin, Outside Online, 9 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for underpinning
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'underpinning.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near underpinning
Cite this Entry
“Underpinning.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underpinning. Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.
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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