underpinning

noun

un·​der·​pin·​ning ˈən-dər-ˌpi-niŋ How to pronounce underpinning (audio)
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

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 But the migration is wreaking havoc on the economic underpinnings of the media sector. Brian Steinberg, Variety, 4 Jan. 2024 Xi’s efforts to redefine China’s ideological underpinnings feel increasingly urgent as a slowdown in growth has fed doubts among investors and public distrust at home. Rana Mitter, Foreign Affairs, 20 Feb. 2024 Nguyen Tuan Hung, an assistant professor of physics at Tohoku University, in Japan, who has worked with MIT’s Dresselhaus on the theoretical underpinnings of thermoelectric conversion in 2D systems, says the new paper is another big step in efforts to boost thermoelectric power. IEEE Spectrum, 18 Jan. 2024 The long-ruling illiberal leader makes no secret of his distaste for the liberal underpinnings of the European Union’s political project. Ishaan Tharoor, Washington Post, 2 Feb. 2024 Honda and Acura are about to bring EVs to market that also use the same underpinnings but will still offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Jonathan M. Gitlin, Ars Technica, 13 Dec. 2023 All of the business part is devoid of moral underpinning. Jordan Castro, Harper's Magazine, 8 Jan. 2024 But the new research explains the scientific underpinnings of this intuited technique. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 7 Dec. 2023 The emotional underpinnings and conflicts in Rose’s story are explored in far more affecting ways during a few conversations in her waking hours. Sheri Linden, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 Sep. 2023

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.

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of underpinning was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near underpinning

Cite this Entry

“Underpinning.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underpinning. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

underpinning

noun
un·​der·​pin·​ning ˈən-dər-ˌpin-iŋ How to pronounce underpinning (audio)
1
: the foundation used for support of a structure
2
3
: a person's legs
usually used in plural

More from Merriam-Webster on underpinning

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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