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
There is a clear case that the development of character is a critical underpinning of culture, but there is so much more.
—
Mary Crossan, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
In the contemporary version of this conspiracy theory, Soros looms especially large; the Anti-Defamation League has multiple pages on its website about the antisemitic underpinnings of right-wing claims that Soros is working to destabilize society.
—Michelle Goldberg, Mercury News, 21 May 2025
The underpinning of the jetty project is trust—the confidence, on the part of the residents of Rockaway, that the institutions involved in remodelling their shoreline and protecting their community are disinterested stewards, not callous profiteers.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 13 May 2025
The early 1970s ushered in Lancia’s new Beta Series, launched in 1972 as an attractive upscale model line powered by Fiat underpinnings.
—Robert Ross, Robb Report, 4 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for underpinning
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Mary Crossan, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
In the contemporary version of this conspiracy theory, Soros looms especially large; the Anti-Defamation League has multiple pages on its website about the antisemitic underpinnings of right-wing claims that Soros is working to destabilize society.
—Michelle Goldberg, Mercury News, 21 May 2025
The underpinning of the jetty project is trust—the confidence, on the part of the residents of Rockaway, that the institutions involved in remodelling their shoreline and protecting their community are disinterested stewards, not callous profiteers.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 13 May 2025
The early 1970s ushered in Lancia’s new Beta Series, launched in 1972 as an attractive upscale model line powered by Fiat underpinnings.
—Robert Ross, Robb Report, 4 Apr. 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 1 Jun. 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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