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
Also to folks that say, technology does not matter, business use cases over technology seem unaware of the fact that basic capabilities baked into the technical underpinnings are needed BEFORE any business use cases can come to fruition.
—
Vipin Bharathan, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025
The Truman vision—the world as orchestra, the U.S. President as conductor—may have run its course, though; its economic underpinnings are eroding and its political costs are mounting.
—Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 16 June 2025
Toyota Sequoia: Interior Space Reduced Despite its body-on-frame underpinnings, the 2025 Toyota Sequoia delivers confident handling and a refined ride quality.
—Karl Brauer, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025
Appreciate Wilson’s technical brilliance but also the emotional generosity of his choral arrangements in which falsetto yearning is granted bass underpinning.
—Armond White, National Review, 18 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for underpinning
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Vipin Bharathan, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025
The Truman vision—the world as orchestra, the U.S. President as conductor—may have run its course, though; its economic underpinnings are eroding and its political costs are mounting.
—Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 16 June 2025
Toyota Sequoia: Interior Space Reduced Despite its body-on-frame underpinnings, the 2025 Toyota Sequoia delivers confident handling and a refined ride quality.
—Karl Brauer, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025
Appreciate Wilson’s technical brilliance but also the emotional generosity of his choral arrangements in which falsetto yearning is granted bass underpinning.
—Armond White, National Review, 18 June 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 30 Jul. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share