groundwork
groundwork Lexical Profile
groundwork Game Scores & Validity
• noun
Preliminary or basic work that serves as a foundation for future development, action, or achievement.
"Early experiments by nineteen-century physicists laid the groundwork for modern quantum mechanics."
The physical excavation and preparation of land—such as digging trenches, laying drainage, and pouring concrete foundations—carried out before constructing a building.
"Heavy rain delayed the initial groundwork on the new housing estate by several weeks."
Techniques, holds, and maneuvers executed while both combatants are on the mat in grappling and martial arts, or training exercises conducted with a horse from the ground rather than in the saddle.
"Her superior groundwork allowed her to secure a submission hold early in the championship match."
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Formed in the mid-16th century as a compound of 'ground' (from Old English 'grund', meaning bottom or foundation) and 'work' (from Old English 'weorc', meaning labor or structure), originally referring to the literal foundation of a building.