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
Varma will explore the cultural underpinnings of Hindu nationalism and offer some examples from Kashmir – a region claimed by India, Pakistan and China – to examine erosions of India’s democratic foundations, the news release noted.
—
News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Mar. 2025
These digital underpinnings, while largely invisible to most users, are essential for enabling innovation and maintaining performance at scale.
—Peter High, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
The speech at the Capitol is akin to the State of Union, but in this case, there is little expectation of a fight over Trump's authority and its constitutional underpinnings because the House and Senate are controlled by fellow Republicans.
—Bart Jansen, USA TODAY, 2 Mar. 2025
One change to a federal housing program that was meant to protect against gender discrimination has overtly religious underpinnings.
—Matthew Goldstein, New York Times, 13 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for underpinning
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News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Mar. 2025
These digital underpinnings, while largely invisible to most users, are essential for enabling innovation and maintaining performance at scale.
—Peter High, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
The speech at the Capitol is akin to the State of Union, but in this case, there is little expectation of a fight over Trump's authority and its constitutional underpinnings because the House and Senate are controlled by fellow Republicans.
—Bart Jansen, USA TODAY, 2 Mar. 2025
One change to a federal housing program that was meant to protect against gender discrimination has overtly religious underpinnings.
—Matthew Goldstein, New York Times, 13 Feb. 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 12 Apr. 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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