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
Rapid and transformative technology innovation / adoption represent key underpinnings of these changes.
—
John Werner, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025
The change was part of a growing effort around the country to remove names of those who had contributed to the structural underpinnings of segregated communities from schools, streets, and monuments.
—Alfredo Sosa, Christian Science Monitor, 18 May 2025
The underpinnings of a global order can be traced to the age of discovery, when Europeans first learned to circumnavigate the globe, then established a presence at vast distances, and followed that with empires.
—Margaret MacMillan, The Atlantic, 30 Apr. 2025
There is a clear case that the development of character is a critical underpinning of culture, but there is so much more.
—Mary Crossan, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for underpinning
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John Werner, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025
The change was part of a growing effort around the country to remove names of those who had contributed to the structural underpinnings of segregated communities from schools, streets, and monuments.
—Alfredo Sosa, Christian Science Monitor, 18 May 2025
The underpinnings of a global order can be traced to the age of discovery, when Europeans first learned to circumnavigate the globe, then established a presence at vast distances, and followed that with empires.
—Margaret MacMillan, The Atlantic, 30 Apr. 2025
There is a clear case that the development of character is a critical underpinning of culture, but there is so much more.
—Mary Crossan, Forbes.com, 22 May 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 10 Jun. 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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