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Definition of substructure

substructure

/ˈsʌbˌstrʌktʃər/
sub · struc · ture
Plural:substructures
•
Adjective:substructural
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substructure Lexical Profile

substructure Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

An underlying or supporting structure or foundation, especially the lower part of a building, bridge, or railway that supports the superstructure.

Example

"Engineers inspected the concrete substructure of the bridge to ensure the piers had not been weakened by river currents."

2

The fundamental underlying basis, framework, or economic foundation of a society, organization, or abstract system.

Example

"In Marxist theory, the economic substructure of a society shapes its legal, political, and cultural institutions."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Nearby Words

substitutable
substitute
substitution
substructure
subsurface
subsystem
subtask

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the early 18th century from the prefix sub- ('under') and structure, modeled after Latin substructio ('foundation'), from the verb substruere ('to build beneath').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Substructure. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/substructure
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